Return to Articles Index - Return to Ballpark Organists
In his field of dreams, organ music flourishes
By Jack Hicks, The Kentucky Post - May 24,1999
Both can be tolerated, but neither is as pleasurable as it could be.
Cincinnati's Cinergy Field still provides mustard for the hot dogs, but for the past several years rock 'n' roll has blasted over the public address system.
But is change afoot?
On the four Sundays that the Reds have been at home since the opening of the 1999 baseball season, Doll has been belting out ''Take Me Out To The Ball Game'' and other feel-good fare from an organ in the stadium press box.
With new ownership and other changes in the wind, Doll hopes organ music will again become a ballpark staple.
''We're making a difference. I feel something happening. The crowd is singing along and stomping its feet. I'm timing it with the action on the field,'' he said.
Doll thinks an organist can actually stimulate the home team's performance.
''When you're playing and a rally is under way, I think the ball players pick it up and do better,'' he said.
Others agree. In fact, Doll recalls a rival manager being interviewed on the radio in the early 1980s. Asked what player he might like from the Reds if there was a trade, he replied, ''I'd like to have the organ player.''
Doll was the organ player in question.
His most memorable night was Sept. 11, 1985, when Pete Rose connected on his 4,192 hit to break Ty Cobb's all-time hit record. With Rose at first base, 50,000 fans roared and Doll played.
''It was about the most exciting thing that ever happened,'' said Doll, who played ''Happy Days Are Here Again'' immediately after Rose got the hit, and ''Sonny Boy'' when the player's son, Pete Jr., came on the field.
An organist's efforts at cheerleading can sometimes be interpreted as taunting to the visiting team. In a recent game, the opposition pitcher was getting shelled, and Doll acknowledges he was adding insult to injury by playing musical digs, including ''Bad Boy'' from the TV show ''Cops,'' when the manager came out to the mound. ''The umpire waved me off, and made it clear he wanted me to stop,'' said Doll.
He is concentrates on upbeat, hand-clapping songs to spark the crowd's enthusiasm. ''The Mexican Hat Dance'' and the theme from the Addams Family TV show are good ones.
Doll, 51, has been into music since childhood. His father, Jack Doll Sr., was a lounge organist. The younger Doll's career includes playing over Armed Forces Radio and concerts for Baldwin Piano Co.
He has also played the organ for silent movies at the Emery Theater, and believes that was excellent preparation for the ball park.
Doll has also been a photographer for much of his life and has operated the Photo Arts Studio in Covington for more than 20 years.
The new Reds management has been encouraging, Doll said, and he would like to see the organ music expanded to all home games. Organist Ronny Dale was a fixture at Crosley Field for years, and Doll would love to fill that role at Cinergy.
''Major league baseball has a magic to it, and the ballpark organ is a part of that magic,'' he said.
Jack Hicks is a columnist and political writer for The Kentucky Post.
2005 Editors note: Jack continues to play at Great American Ballpark for the Reds, unfortunately, still only on Sundays.
Home Page - Table of Contents - Feedback
© mmv ballparktour.com