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Who plays organ at College World Series? What to know of CWS, Cubs organist John Benedeck

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Dodgers Stadium. Wrigley Field. Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.

A trio of stadiums that, on paper, are drastically different from each other: Two are historic MLB ballparks, and the other serves as the hallowed ground of college baseball’s host site for the College World Series. But a similarity exists between all three that plays into the beauty of baseball, regardless of level: the organ.

Sure, the organ is an outdated instrument, especially in the 21st century, where technology has overpowered the production in stadiums and arenas. But at a baseball game in the summer, it adds a musical flare to the in-game environment and experience — something that the College World Series has kept attached to the event over the years.

MORE: Buy College World Series tickets with StubHub

Here’s what you need to know on the man behind the soundtrack at the College World Series:

Who is the organist at the College World Series?

John Benedeck is the man behind the acoustics inside Charles Schwab Field Omaha.

Benedeck — who hails from McHenry, Illinois, according to his website — is in his second season serving as the College World Series organist. He was hired by CWS of Omaha, Inc. — the local organizing committee that puts on the event each season — before the 2023 College World Series, replacing legendary CWS organist Jerry Pawlak, who retired in 2022.

“When Jerry Pawlak, who had served as the MCWS organist since 2011, announced his retirement last year, we knew we would have big shoes to fill,” Executive Director for CWS of Omaha, Inc Amy Hornocker said in a statement in 2023. “We decided to reach out to the Chicago Cubs production team to learn more about their recent process of replacing their longtime organist.”

“Ultimately, we decided to host an application process and had several fantastic candidates, both locally and outside of the area. But to our surprise, one of the Cubs organists — they have two — had an interest. John’s skillset is out of this world — pair that with baseball experience, and we knew he was our guy.”

As aforementioned, serving as the organist at the CWS is a side job for Benedeck, as he is one of two organists at Wrigley Field who play Cubs games. He was hired by the Cubs in 2020 after legendary Cubs organist Gary Pressy retired in 2019. On top of playing the organist, he is also a pianist and vocalist, as he does weddings and parties on top of sporting events.

While the College World Series consists of up to 17 games, assuming both “if necessary” games in the semifinals and the one in the CWS finals are played, Benedeck said he plays 20 songs a game for a nine-game home stand. Some songs this year have included “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from “Toy Story” and The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” among, others.

“That’s 180 songs, you have to have something new,” Benedeck said in a video posted by the Charles Schwab Field Omaha on X (formerly Twitter) Sunday. “‘Centerfield,’ ‘Burning Love’ is fun. ‘Dancing Queen.’ I wouldn’t say this is an absolute essential part of baseball but I’m glad people still associate the organ. … I’m glad to be a part of that.”

One could make the argument that the organ is an essential part of a baseball game, and right up there with peanuts and cracker jacks, as it keeps fans engaged with the game. Benedeck told KETV NewsWatch7, the local ABC affiliate in Omaha, last year that he tries to mesh his musical taste and style with her personality.

“I try to be as kind and sarcastic at the same time if that’s possible,” Benedeck told KETV NewsWatch7.

Take a look here of Benedeck playing Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” last year, and see for yourself:

Then there’s The Champs’ ever-so-famous “Tequilla”:

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