Introduction to Do All MLB Stadiums Have Organs?
Major League Baseball (MLB) is the oldest and most prestigious professional baseball organization in the United States. Over the years, MLB stadiums have become iconic landmarks, hosting some of the most memorable games in history. But do all MLB stadiums have organs?
The answer is a resounding “no,” though some MLB stadiums do have organs, or at least something that resembles an organ. In this article, we’ll explore the history of organs in MLB stadiums, how they’ve been used, and which stadiums have them.
History of Organs in MLB Stadiums
The first organ in the United States was installed in a baseball stadium in 1906, at the old Polo Grounds in New York City. The organ was a favorite of fans, who used it to cheer on their team and make the atmosphere more lively. Over the next few decades, more and more stadiums began to install organs, especially after the invention of the Hammond organ in the 1930s.
For decades, the organ was an essential part of the baseball experience. It was used to play music during the game, for fan participation in the “seventh-inning stretch,” and to announce starting lineups. Some teams even had their own “organists,” who became legendary figures in their own right.
Decline of Organs in MLB Stadiums
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, however, the popularity of the organ began to wane. With the advent of rock and roll, stadium organists began to be replaced by DJs and other forms of live entertainment. As the years went by, more and more stadiums began to discontinue their organists and eventually remove their organs altogether.
By the 1980s, most MLB stadiums had phased out the organ, though a few outliers remain. Today, only a handful of MLB stadiums still have organs, including Fenway Park in Boston, Wrigley Field in Chicago, and Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
Types of Organs in MLB Stadiums
Though there are few organs left in MLB stadiums, the ones that remain are some of the most iconic in the world. Most of these organs are Hammond organs, which are known for their distinctive sound and ability to mimic the sound of a full orchestra.
In addition to Hammond organs, some MLB stadiums have digital organs, which are capable of producing a variety of sounds and effects. The main advantage of digital organs is that they are easier to maintain and can be programmed to play a wide range of music.
Uses of Organs in MLB Stadiums
Though the organ is no longer a mainstay of the MLB experience, it is still used in some stadiums. The most common use of the organ is during the “seventh-inning stretch,” when fans stand up and sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” Many stadiums also use the organ to introduce players and to play music between innings.
In addition, some stadiums use their organs to provide commentary and commentary on the game. For example, Fenway Park’s legendary organist, John Kiley, used to play “Charge!” to get the crowd fired up during Red Sox games.
Famous Organists in MLB Stadiums
Though the organ is no longer a mainstay of the MLB experience, it has produced some legendary performers over the years. Some of the most famous organists in MLB history include:
- John Kiley, organist for the Boston Red Sox from 1933 to 2003
- Nancy Faust, organist for the Chicago White Sox from 1970 to 2010
- Pete McCauley, organist for the San Francisco Giants from 1993 to 2009
- Dianne Eickhoff, organist for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1995 to 2010
- Eddie Layton, organist for the New York Yankees from 1967 to 2003
MLB Stadiums with Organs
As of 2021, there are only a handful of MLB stadiums that still have organs. These stadiums include:
- Fenway Park (Boston Red Sox)
- Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs)
- Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles Dodgers)
- Tropicana Field (Tampa Bay Rays)
- Coors Field (Colorado Rockies)
Conclusion
Though the organ is no longer a mainstay of the MLB experience, it still has a place in some stadiums. The most famous of these organs is at Fenway Park in Boston, which has been a part of the Red Sox experience for nearly a century.
Though most MLB stadiums have long since phased out the organ, its legacy still lives on in the stadiums that still have them. Organ music has become an integral part of the baseball experience, and its history is an important part of the game’s culture.
FAQs
Which stadiums still have organs?
As of 2021, the following MLB stadiums still have organs: Fenway Park (Boston Red Sox), Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs), Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles Dodgers), Tropicana Field (Tampa Bay Rays), and Coors Field (Colorado Rockies).
Who were some of the most famous organists in MLB history?
Some of the most famous organists in MLB history include John Kiley (Boston Red Sox), Nancy Faust (Chicago White Sox), Pete McCauley (San Francisco Giants), Dianne Eickhoff (St. Louis Cardinals), and Eddie Layton (New York Yankees).