There were so many fans surrounding Nancy Faust’s booth at her final game yesterday that the White Sox had to provide a bouncer. “She’ll visit with fans and sign autographs after the game,” he told us.
Nancy graciously took time out on her last day to talk with me (and Hanni, of course).
“But she specifically asked us to stop by”
“Are you a friend of hers?”
I hesitated. Thought about it for a few seconds. “Yes,” I finally said, confident in my answer. “I am.”
The bouncer asked my name, checked in with Nancy, came back and opened the door for us. We were there long enough for me to almost knock over her container of popcorn, give her a kiss on the cheek, listen to her flip around to the keyboard and do a quick “Charge!” cheer, compare Nancy’s retirement with Hanni’s upcoming retirement, talk about keeping in touch and then finally exchange one last kiss goodbye. Hanni and I exited to a quick chorus of “How Much is that Doggie in the Window.” I didn’t cry. I beamed.
Not sure how many White Sox games I’ll be going to next year. Staying home to listen on the radio wouldn’t be meant as a protest against the White Sox, it’s just that deciphering her tunes at the park was a huge part of the fun of going to games.
The Indians have an outfielder named Trevor Crow. You can guess what Nancy played when he was up yesterday, can’t you? The Beatles. “Blackbird.” Natch. And her final tune? Jackson Five’s “Never Can Say Goodbye.”
Surprised her last song wasn’t “Na na na na hey hey hey Goodbye.”
Ah, Bob, Nancy *did* play that famous Steam song right after the game because..theWhite Sox won! Right after “Na, na” she played Never Can Say Goodbye, and you could hear it in both songs, she obviously knew it was the last time she’d be playing that pipe organ. Really, really, really terrific.
So neat that you were able to go right up to her “office” – so much talent to come up with just the right tune. And you are right- that was a BIG part of the game- the music cues. Can they do that digitally?? I know – not the same!
My guess is they’ve recorded Nancy’s renditions of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and “Na na na na” to play at the right time, but I don’t know how they can replace her spontanaeity, the quick riffs of the Beatles “Get Back” when we’re almost caught trying to steal a base, that sort of thing…ah, well.
Beth,
What a great ending to your article about Nancy Faust. Even though I am a Cubs fan (like by brother!), she will be missed at the Sox games. Take care.
Maureen Naset
Did I hear somewhere or another that your husband is a *White Sox* fan, though? Talk about a mixed-marriage!
What a fun piece. I always wondered who got those music gigs at ball games (besides your brother), and Faust sounds so clever. Have you thought of doing a book collecting all your sports writing?
Hmm. Gotta admit, I have never, ever given a sportswriting book a thought. Would be one-in-a-million, though. A blind woman’s “look” at sports.
Ahh….all good things come to an end, but with a little
luck, better ones do come along now and then.
Haven’t heard a firm “yes” about the White Sox auditioning pipe organ players for next year, am fairly sure this is the end of an era for us.
But hey, eyebrows up! Fall is my favorite season, and I’m looking forward to some great playoff games.
Beth, Your visit with Mike and Hanni made it a complete though extremely emotional day. Your blog will help me feel connected and I so cherish your friendship. Love your phrase “mixed marriage” . I could have used that so often. You are a brilliant writer and simply selfless. Thank you for enhancing my and countless other’s lives. Nancy Faust
‘How Much is that Doggie on the Window’….brilliant! What a wonderful talent. Thanks for entertaining us thru the years, Nancy.
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