How Austin’s sandlot baseball scene became a magnet for indie rockers, filmmakers, designers, and brands

Kevin Morby arrived in Austin in mid-March to participate in a music showcase as part of South by Southwest, the city’s annual cacophony of industry obligations and branded “activations.” The Kansas City-based indie musician was due to perform a six-song solo set promoting his forthcoming album, Little Wide Open. Shortly after South by Southwest, Morby would embark on a months-long international tour in support of the record. He had every reason to make the Austin trip a quick one.  But...