Dodgers Organist Dieter Ruehle Steals Spotlight in Historic Game

UPDATE: The Dodgers’ organist, Dieter Ruehle, captivated fans during the historic World Series Game 3 against the Blue Jays on October 27, 2023, which extended for a record-breaking 18 innings. As tension gripped the stadium, Ruehle’s playful performances provided a much-needed comedic relief, transforming anxious moments into laughter.

With the game dragging on, fans were glued to their seats, uncertain if their team would take the lead. Ruehle skillfully played an array of songs that resonated with the crowd’s growing anxiety. Notable tracks included Coldplay’s “Clocks,” Billy Joel’s “The Longest Time,” and 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” and another calling for a raise due to his “non-stop bangers with a sense of humor.”

This is not the first time Ruehle has used his musical talent to lighten the mood during tense moments. Last year, he played Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” in response to a car fire in the Dodgers parking lot, showcasing his knack for blending humor with the unexpected.

Who is Dieter Ruehle? Ruehle, who became the Dodgers’ organist in 2016, holds a unique place in baseball history. The Dodgers were the first team to hire a full-time organist in 1942, when Gladys Goodding performed while the team was still in Brooklyn. Ruehle follows in the footsteps of iconic organists like Helen Dell and Nancy Bea Hefley.

In an ESPN profile, Ruehle revealed that his musical journey began by watching legendary Dodgers organists play during games. Though he took some formal music classes, much of his skill is self-taught. His repertoire spans genres, from sports classics to contemporary hits, captivating audiences with everything from Hechizeros Band’s “El Sonidito” to Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather.”

Beyond the Dodgers, Ruehle serves as the music director and organist for the Los Angeles Kings. His early connection to the Kings dates back to when he was just 12 years old. Ruehle wrote to the team asking for the chance to play the organ, leading to an unforgettable performance on November 19, 1980.

Ruehle has also made headlines for his timely song choices, such as playing “Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang” by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg during a Kings game attended by Snoop, earning a shoutout on the Kings’ broadcast.

For Dodgers fans who want to keep track of Ruehle’s eclectic song choices, a dedicated Twitter page called the Dieter Decoder was created in 2019. This page invites fans to identify songs played during games, fostering a community of music enthusiasts eager to decode Ruehle’s selections.

As the Dodgers continue their playoff journey, Ruehle’s ability to blend music with humor remains a highlight for fans, proving that even in the most intense moments of sports, laughter can prevail. Keep an eye on the Dodgers as the World Series progresses, and expect more unforgettable performances from this talented organist.