Sweet sounds of Wrigley Field organ music fills Cubs fans with joy
The neighborhood has been a little quiet lately, so the Cubs turned to one of their three new organists to change that Friday night.
As nearby neighbors opened their windows, they were treated with various songs echoing from a familiar place — the organ that sits within the Friendly Confines. John Benedeck was on the keys for a full hour in relief of recently retired legend Gary Pressy, who played 2,679 consecutive games over 33 seasons. Benedeck offered a mix of old ballpark favorites and popular songs from The Beatles, Neil Diamond, Lynryd Skynyrd and many others.
Families and friends in masks walking past Wrigley Field enjoyed fresh soothing sounds reminiscent of simpler times. Cubs fans could close their eyes and reflect on this unique time in their lives, while getting lost for a moment in a fond memory or two. The sounds of baseball returned to Chicago for one warm spring evening, along with a little joy for both local fans and those at a greater distance.
The neighborhood has been a little quiet lately. We wanted to help with that. 🎶 pic.twitter.com/BoCtvUBRf4
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 15, 2020
The sweet sound of organ music coming from Wrigley Field tonight! pic.twitter.com/CH14wc09SG
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 15, 2020
Thank you @Cubs for bringing some life and hope back to our neighborhood 🙏 pic.twitter.com/9HGkl78c6g
— Tank4Tua (@themaz123) May 15, 2020
@Cubs Thanks for giving us a little organ concert, even though we don’t have baseball. Gave me a little smile today while walking the dog. pic.twitter.com/2F1j9ymM2c
— Kimberly Ross (@KimberlyRoss1) May 15, 2020
What a privilege to bring joy to Wrigleyville. The @Cubs knew that we needed to let people know Wrigley is still breathing. I was blessed to help ignite the life today. Thank you to all who hung around the ballpark, you are the real MVPs #gocubs
— John Benedeck (@JohnBenedeck) May 16, 2020
Organ music was first played at Wrigley Field in 1941, when it became the first MLB ballpark to feature the instrument. In 1967, it became a staple on the North Side, 20 years prior to Pressy’s debut in 1987.
Video filmed by Marquee Sports Network’s Scott Changnon.