Wrigley Celebrates Its Organ

70 years ago today, April 26, 1941, Wrigley Field became the first Major League ballpark to install an organ.

Roy Nelson tickled the ivories of the original pipe organ, and did just a dandy job. He was followed by Jack Kerney in the late 60's and the likes of Frank Pellico, Vance Fothergill and John Henzel in the 70's. Good old Ed Vodicka - great name - and Bruce Miles handled the tickling in the early 80's, and our good old pal - and current ivory tickler - Gary Pressey took over in 1987. 

Tickle on Mr. Pressey. . . Tickle On.

Poor Ol Gary Pressy

This might be "last weeks news" but I wanted to go over the last 70 years of history first before discussing what has recently occurred inside of Wrigley Field. You probably didn't know that the first Major League ballpark to use an organ was right down the street here.
That beautiful sound has been an integral part of the experience at Wrigley Field almost ever since.

While every other Major League ballpark went to taped music, organist Gary Pressy has kept tickling the ivory for the millions of fans who pay good money to see something special inside of the Friendly Confines. Well sir, like a lot of things lately, that has changed this year. Now Wrigley Field is just like every other ballpark; playing taped "jams" and "groves" for players as they walk up to the plate. Poor ol' Gary Pressy is left to play his sweet, sweet music only during commercial breaks.