Fastball is an alternative rock band from Austin, Texas that is probably best known for its 1998 platinum album, All the Pain Money Can Buy. Founded in 1994, the group started out small but quickly built a strong regional following in the Austin area. After being noticed and signed by Hollywood Records, the group released its 1996 debut album, Make Your Mama Proud. The LP failed to perform commercially and after the members of the group met to discuss the future of the band, they decided to retool Fastball's sound and focus on a more easily digestible, pop-friendly sound--culminating in the well performing All the Pain Money Can Buy. Though the group's popularity has waned since its heyday in the late 1990s, it has nevertheless managed to keep fairly busy with a consistent recording schedule and an ardent touring regime.