Dodgers: Organist Dieter Ruehle Orchestrates Dodger Stadium Atmosphere

Everyone knows that Dodger Stadium is home to one of the most electrifying teams in baseball. Now thanks to Pantone 294, the Dodgers’ fan base is climbing the ladder in the social hierarchy in sports fandoms. However, there is still a piece to the puzzle that plays an instrumental part, no pun intended.

Dieter Ruehle took over as the Dodgers’ organist last season when longtime organist Nancy Bea Hefley retired after 2015. She was one of the timeless pillars that held the historic stadium together, with Vin Scully and Rick Monday. But, her class on the keys would eventually make way for younger more innovative talent. That new talent was Ruehle.

Ruehle was technically “new.” He is the longtime maestro behind the keyboard for the Los Angeles Lakers and Kings. Similar to what he’s doing at Dodger Stadium, he is credited for creating the electric atmosphere of the Staples Center.

Ruehle knew he had huge shoes to fill as Hefley’s fingers danced on the ivory for 28 years from when Orel Hershiser was on the mound to when he joined the broadcast booth. However, Ruehle is no stranger to Los Angeles. He worked for the Kings since 1998 and the Lakers since 2001. He’s close to having a ring on each finger if organists were given rings for championships.

Ruehle’s never tried to mimic his predecessor, which is something to be appreciated. His unique style created a new environment at Dodger Stadium. His style employs two main techniques. First, his vast knowledge of songs allows him to continuously compose the soundtrack of each game so that they are never alike. Second, his repetition of the chant “Let’s Go Dodgers” not only keeps the crowd engaged, but instills a fighting spirit mirrored by the team’s performance.

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Being familiar with the fan bases in the Pacific Northwest, I know very well how a crowd can affect the game. Ruehle’s ability to influence the crowd through his keyboard has had visible results on the team’s performance. Since his takeover, the Dodgers have led the majors in comeback wins. The team’s performance also reciprocates in high attendance, adding more voices into the symphony of Dodger Stadium. The symphony was not very pleasant for visitors.

Something fans may have noticed by now is Ruehle’s ability to think on his feet. There’s never a moment of silence in Dodger Stadium because any lull in a game Ruehle is on it. His ability to quickly transition mid-song to a simple “Let’s Go Dodgers” chant showcases two of his main techniques in one swift move.

Like any good organist, Ruehle also plays according to the situation. If there’s a high leverage situation on offense, Ruehle will play something to build the tension around the stadium. Whether it be Justin Turner’s “Shape of You” or Chase Utley’s “Kashmir,” Ruehle will incorporate it into the at-bat to pump not only the crowd but the player himself. In a way, Ruehle is communicating with the crowd and the player through playing their walk-up songs.

Dodger fans answered criticism regarding voting for their All-Stars by breaking the record for a final vote. They also answered criticism for leaving early by staying through all of the absolute madness that occurs until either the final out is recorded, or the final run crosses the plate. Now they’re answering criticism for being too laid back at games.

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Dodger Stadium is no longer the place for quiet, end of the day, relaxing West Coast games. Every moment is electric because of the team’s play, and the atmosphere generated by all factors. The interaction between the fans and organist Dieter Ruehle is a crucial factor in the new Dodger Stadium atmosphere. Like Vin Scully found a sound replacement in Joe Davis, Nancy Bea Hesley found one as well to carry on her masterpiece.

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