CWS Ballpark Organist Passes Away

Lambert Bartak, the long-time organist at Rosenblatt Stadium, passed away on Sunday.  Bartak’s passing at age 94 came three years after he played “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” for College World Series fans for the last time, in the event’s final year at Rosenblatt.  Read more and view photos here.

Ems Bring Back Live Organ Music

When the Single-A Eugene Emeralds (Northwest League) moved into PK Park, General Manager Allan Benavides wanted to bring live organ music back the ballpark for the first time since the 1970s.  Benevides found just the right live organist in John Bilenki, who is spending his first full summer with the Ems this season.  Read more and watch video here.

Cubs Organist Celebrates 25 Years

One of the last surviving members of his craft in the industry, Chicago Cubs organist Gary Pressy celebrates 25 years at Wrigley Field, and he says he’s not going anywhere anytime soon.  Read more here.

All About a Ballpark Organist

Mid season last year, the San Francisco Giants brought in a ballpark organist to add a  little nostalgia and atmosphere to AT&T Park.  Organist Steve Hogan, 37, was hired on a trial basis, but it appears this is turning into a long-term gig.  Hogan sits in plain view of fans on an obeservation deck out by the left-center field bleachers.  Only 15 of 30 MLB clubs use an organist to play live music.  Read more here.