Dodgers’ Organist Dieter Ruehle Steals Spotlight During Epic Game

UPDATE: Amid the tension of the historic World Series Game 3 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays, which unfolded on October 27, 2023, fans turned to the stadium’s organist, Dieter Ruehle, for a much-needed dose of humor and entertainment. The game stretched a staggering 18 innings, marking it as the longest game in Major League Baseball history.

As anxiety filled the air, Ruehle took to the keys, performing songs that resonated with the crowd’s mounting tension. He delivered fan-favorite tracks such as Coldplay’s “Clocks” and Billy Joel’s “The Longest Time”, culminating in a comedic rendition of Limahl’s “Never Ending Story” during the final inning. Social media erupted with praise for Ruehle, with one fan dubbing him the “World Series Game 3 MVP.” Another chimed in, “Give the organist at Dodger Stadium a raise!”

This wasn’t the first time Ruehle showcased his comedic timing; he previously lightened the mood during a game when a car caught fire in the parking lot, famously playing Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” The Dodgers made history in 1942 by becoming the first team to hire a full-time organist, paving the way for a legacy of iconic musicians, including Gladys Goodding and Nancy Bea Hefley.

Here’s what you should know about Dieter Ruehle, who is solidifying his place among the Dodgers’ legendary organists:

Musical Background and Style

Ruehle’s journey as an organist began in his childhood, inspired by the performances of Dodgers greats like Helen Dell and Nancy Bea Hefley. A profile from ESPN reveals that although he took some music classes at Burbank High School and community colleges, Ruehle is primarily self-taught. He is known for his eclectic style, blending classic rock with contemporary hits, ranging from Hechizeros Band’s “El Sonidito” to Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather.” His musical talent has also earned him roles in six Olympic competitions and appearances on Kobe Bryant’s children’s podcast, “The Punies.”

Connection with the Los Angeles Kings

Since 2016, Ruehle has also been the organist for the Los Angeles Kings, serving as the music director. His passion for the Kings dates back to when he was just 12 years old, earning a chance to perform during a game after writing to the team. Ruehle’s notable moments include playing “Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang” by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg during a game attended by Snoop himself, earning him a shoutout on the Kings broadcast.

The Dieter Decoder

For fans eager to decode Ruehle’s eclectic song choices, a dedicated Twitter page called the Dieter Decoder was created in 2019. The page invites fans to engage by tweeting the organist’s song selections and their relevance to the game, creating a community around the organist’s unique performances.

As the World Series continues, fans are eager to see how Ruehle will keep spirits high. His ability to blend humor with music during intense moments has not only made him a fan favorite but also a key component of the Dodgers’ game-day experience.

Stay tuned for more updates as the World Series unfolds, and keep an ear out for Ruehle’s next song choice that could be the highlight of the game!