Phillies' longtime organist Richardson dies
wazzzy
Organist Paul Richardson, who performed at Phillies home games for 35
seasons, died Monday at his Wilmington home following a lengthy
illness, the Phillies said today. His age was unavailable.
A part-time real estate agent and organ teacher, Richardson began
playing at Phillies games at Connie Mack Stadium in 1970. He drew the
team's attention after playing a Christmas party for Phillies executive
Bill Giles in 1969.
Al Cartwright, then the sports editor of The News Journal, recommended
Richardson to Giles.
Richardson retired from the Phillies after the 2005 season because of
health problems.
"It's time. I've had a great run and enjoyed every minute. They gave me
the freedom
to do a lot," he said in February of this year. "Thirty-five years is a
long time. I loved every minute."
According to the Phillies, Richardson played for more than 70 million
fans.
"Paul was a character who was more than just a gifted organist," said
Giles, now chairman of the Phillies. "He was an entertainer
extraordinaire, someone who had the feel on how to excite and entertain
the crowds. He loved to perform and loved people."
Richardson also played at Yankee Stadium as a weekend organist from
1978 through 1982 when the Phillies were not at home.
Richardson's recorded rendition of "Take Me Out To the Ballgame" will
still be played at Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies said.
Joe Pucillo
> "Paul was a character who was more than just a gifted organist," said
> Giles, now chairman of the Phillies. "He was an entertainer
> extraordinaire, someone who had the feel on how to excite and entertain
> the crowds. He loved to perform and loved people."
Paul Richardson played at my grandparents' 50th Anniversary party
in 1977 - as well as several other family functions. He seemed
like a very nice fellow, and much more of an entertainer than
that Larry Ferrari guy.
JP
Bill Schenley
FROM: The Philadelphia Inquirer ~
By Gayle Ronan Sims, Staff Writer
Paul Richardson, 74, whose 36 years of organ music was as much a part
of Philadelphia baseball as the Phanatic's antics or Harry Kalas'
voice, died of prostate cancer Monday at home in Wilmington.
Starting in 1970, Mr. Richardson wowed more than 70 million fans at
3,000 Phillies games in three stadiums when he played such favorites as
the tarantella, "Hava Nagila" and, for seventh-inning stretches, "Take
Me Out to the Ball Game."
"Paul had a great sense of timing and a feel for the game of baseball,"
Phillies president David Montgomery said yesterday. "He was a big part
of our in-game entertainment. He was always suggesting ways to pump up
our fans. Above all, he was a quality individual."
A native of Wilmington, Mr. Richardson studied classical piano as a
child. After graduating from Wilmington High School in 1950, he worked
as a part-time Realtor, played the organ in nightclubs, and taught at
the Wilmington Music School.
He got his big break in 1969 when he played for the Phillies employees'
Christmas party. Bill Giles, now chairman of the Phillies, hired Mr.
Richardson as the team organist. He started playing during the team's
last season in Connie Mack Stadium.
"Paul was a character who was more than just a gifted organist," Giles
said yesterday. "He was an entertainer extraordinaire, someone who had
the feel for how to excite and entertain the crowds. He loved to
perform and loved people."
Mr. Richardson often dodged foul balls while playing his Lowery,
Yamaha, Thomas or Roland AT-70 organ in his booth behind home plate at
Veterans Stadium from 1971 to 2003. When the team moved to Citizens
Bank Park in 2004, he was positioned on the concourse. He retired from
the Phillies before the start of this season.
Between 1978 and 1982, Mr. Richardson was the weekend organist at
Yankee Stadium when the Phillies were on the road. He also tickled the
keys at social, sports and civic events.
Mr. Richardson produced four CDs, which include some of his favorite
music, including "Rhapsody in Blue," "Tequila," and arrangements from
Phantom of the Opera.
One of his prized possessions was a ring from the Phillies' 1980
championship season.
Mr. Richardson said in a 2003 Philadelphia Daily News article that his
most memorable moment was "when my daughter Vicki and I played the
national anthem at the Family Day... . She played the piano, I played
the organ, right down on the field. I still get a lump in my throat
when I think about it."
Mr. Richardson is survived by his wife of 13 years, Dee; son Jon Paul
Richardson; daughters Susanne Salve and Victoria Richardson; his former
wife, Susan; three grandchildren; a brother; and a sister.
Friends may call after 1 p.m. Sunday at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200
Limestone Rd., Wilmington, where the funeral will begin at 3. Burial is
private.
Memorial donations may be made to the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center,
4701 Ogletown-Stanton Rd., Newark, Del. 19713.
To hear Paul Richardson's music and find out more about him, visit his
Web site via http://go.philly.com/richardson