June 20, 200520 yr http://whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/ar...t=.jsp&c_id=cws Nancy Faust celebrating 35 years White Sox organist to be feted on Wednesday By Ryan Barry / Special to MLB.com The Chicago White Sox will honor one of the true legends in franchise history, organist Nancy Faust, on Wednesday, when they host the Kansas City Royals at 1:05 p.m. on "Nothing But Nancy Day." The legendary musician will get the game started that day by tossing the ceremonial first pitch, and throughout the game, fans will be treated exclusively to music direct from her keyboard. Once dubbed the "Sweetheart of Comiskey Park," Nancy Faust has been the official White Sox organist since 1970. Now in her 35th season with the club, during which she has missed a total of just five games, the lady with a quick wit and impromptu style is playing with more enthusiasm than ever. "My whole life is identified by what I do and the friendships that I have made here," Faust has said. "And what a great life it has been." Faust always takes time to speak with fans as they pass her booth, which occupies a prime viewing spot directly behind home plate on the 100-Level concourse at U.S. Cellular Field. Decorated with photos given to her by adoring fans, her booth is a frequent stop for game attendees with whom she often shares stories. White Sox fans have been known to play a game in which they try to be the first to figure out the reasoning behind specific songs that Faust plays for hitters as they come to bat. Faust has become famous for playing songs that fit the game situation or have some significance to a player. These associations can be as obvious as "Walk like a Man" playing when a batter draws a walk, or quite clever such as hearing Iron Butterfly's "Inna Gadda da Vita" as Pete Incaviglia steps to the plate -- note the rhyme! Fans are treated to her rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh-inning stretch every day and relish the strains of White Sox signature tune "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye" when an opposing pitcher is removed -- often after giving up a White Sox home run. Never stuck in the past, she is always up on new music and today features songs by rock groups such as Maroon 5 and hip-hop artist Outkast. "I don't bring sheet music to the ballpark," Nancy says. "Everything that I do is by ear. I do bring a list of songs -- rain songs, good guy songs, bad guy songs, rally songs and a couple others. If I want to learn a new song I listen to it on the radio a few times or I buy it." Faust was born and raised in Chicago, where she learned to play the organ from her mother at age four. Over the years, she has made numerous television appearances and has spent time as the organist for the Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks and DePaul University.
June 20, 200520 yr I :wub Nancy. They need to let her play "Kiss him Goodbye" after every single HR again.
June 20, 200520 yr QUOTE(sayitaintso @ Jun 20, 2005 -> 03:54 PM) When is the "Nothing But Nancy" promotion. Wednesday's game. Read the article....
June 20, 200520 yr QUOTE(aboz56 @ Jun 20, 2005 -> 01:55 PM) Wednesday's game. Read the article.... Ok thanks aboz, i skipped over reading most of it.(including the first paragraph where it says wednesday in the second or third sentence) Too many words. I guess I'm just that lazy . Edited June 20, 200520 yr by sayitaintso
June 20, 200520 yr The LA Times ran a very good feature on ballpark organists a few weeks ago. Sadly, they're a dying breed, and even the Sox don't expect to replace Nancy when she departs. They did interview her for the piece though, which is always a plus.
June 20, 200520 yr Could they have given her a s***tier day than a wednesday afternoon against the royals?
June 20, 200520 yr QUOTE(SleepyWhiteSox @ Jun 20, 2005 -> 02:13 PM) Could they have given her a s***tier day than a wednesday afternoon against the royals? The Devil Rays.
June 20, 200520 yr When she retires/passes away, they should have a celebrity organist for each game. I can see it now, churches from around the country will be sending their organists for a day at the park. Nancy!!!
June 20, 200520 yr Wasnt there a CD of Music that came out dedicated to the organ playing of Nancy Faust? If so, does anyone have a copy or know where to get it?
June 20, 200520 yr QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Jun 20, 2005 -> 01:32 PM) I :wub Nancy. They need to let her play "Kiss him Goodbye" after every single HR again. Soooooo true! I miss that! It really got the fans into it!
June 21, 200520 yr QUOTE(winodj @ Jun 20, 2005 -> 05:07 PM) Will they renew her contract this year? It seems like Brooks Boyer actually likes her. Gallas was an asshole to her, made life miserable. Her contract discussions have always been on a December, January sort of timetable.
June 21, 200520 yr QUOTE(winodj @ Jun 20, 2005 -> 06:07 PM) Will they renew her contract this year? I really hope so. She is as much of an icon on the southside as Harry ever was, and she carries herself with tons of dignity and class, unlike Harry.
June 21, 200520 yr QUOTE(Al Lopez's Ghost @ Jun 21, 2005 -> 11:49 AM) It seems like Brooks Boyer actually likes her. Gallas was an asshole to her, made life miserable. Her contract discussions have always been on a December, January sort of timetable. I think Brooks is smart enough to know that the legend/image of Nancy isn't worth messing with.
June 21, 200520 yr Not to tarnish this Nancy thread, but I didn't want to start another one for this post.... This Wednesday is also WIN-A-JERSEY WEDNESDAY Probably have a better chance at a game with 5-10,000 than 10,000-25,000... Good Luck!!
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