Earlier this summer, when I entered the hall at Chicago History Museum for the screening of My Father, Dick Allen, I was not surprised to hear beautiful baseball music being played on an organ. Of course, the organist was Nancy Faust. The long time organist for the White Sox was providing her usual mix of baseball and other popular songs, while setting the mood for the documentary.
Faust is credited with being the first organist to play specific walk-up music for players. Fittingly, Dick Allen was the first player to have that honor. Faust started playing "Jesus Christ Superstar" for the superstar slugger. That led to her playing certain songs for more players. Soon, it became the norm for players to have and even request certain songs as they approached the plate.
I saw Faust many times at White Sox games at Comiskey Park. I never got a picture with her then though. Arriving early as usual, I took the opportunity to approach her between songs and ask for a picture. She graciously complied without skipping a beat (literally). I really didn't want to bother her, but I knew the crowd would get a lot bigger and after the show she would be mobbed.
Faust looked great and played just like old days. As the evening ended, she played even more music as folks left. (I was glad I already had my picture).
Including Faust, the night was magically nostalgic. For baseball fans, My Father, Dick Allen, is a must-see.
Nancy Faust and me in Chicago, IL-June 2026.
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