Belleville, New Jersey’s own emcee and producer Action Figure 973 has returned with his 13th extended play, Polo Grounds. Following a prolific run that includes a dozen EPs and his acclaimed full-length debut, DOOM Was Right—a project that paid homage to the legendary Madvillainy—the artist continues to solidify his reputation as a uniquely skilled lyricist with a penchant for wrestling-inspired storytelling.

For this latest outing, Action Figure 973 has enlisted DiMaggio to handle the production duties. The collaboration follows his previous sophomore effort, The Most Interesting Man in the World, which featured Machacha, and his earlier projects What Would Harley Race Do? and 24 Hours in Switzerland. Polo Grounds marks a distinct shift in thematic focus, leaning heavily into baseball imagery just in time for the Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Game.

The EP opens with “Butch Husky,” an introduction that sets a gritty, mafioso tone. This is quickly followed by “Ken Griffey Jr. Was Never a Yankee,” a track that utilizes a dark, drumless soundscape to explore themes of unrequited loyalty and personal struggle. The project continues with “Showdown at Shea,” which maintains an eerie atmosphere, and “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” a poignant reference to the neurodegenerative illness currently affecting AEW performer Rebel.

The baseball motifs remain consistent throughout the tracklist. “Nomar Garciaparra” honors the retired shortstop and analyst, while “Pete Rose,” featuring 067 Red, pays tribute to the late WWE Hall of Famer. The project also features a collaboration with Brother Tom Sos on “War Memorial,” a track that blends jazzy boom-bap production with reflective lyricism. The EP concludes with “Relief Pitcher,” which includes a nod to the current AAA Mundial Mixtas Parejas Campeon, Mr. Iguana.

In his closing remarks, the artist noted that he felt it was time to pivot away from his signature wrestling-heavy lyrics to offer a fresh perspective. Polo Grounds succeeds as a breath of fresh air, showcasing a more focused, sport-centric approach to his hardcore lyricism. With DiMaggio’s expert production providing a backdrop of jazzy boom-bap and minimalist instrumentals, the EP stands as a testament to Action Figure 973’s versatility.

Score: 7/10