Chicago Cubs

Cubs Organist Gary Pressy to Retire After 33 Years, Nearly 2,700 Games

According to the team, Pressy has played the organ at 2,680 consecutive games

After 33 seasons, nine playoff appearances, and one World Series title, Chicago Cubs organist Gary Pressy will be stepping aside after this season, he recently announced.

Pressy, who has performed at every Cubs game since the 1987 season, said that he is looking to spend more quality time with his family, and that he will be relinquishing his role at Wrigley Field.

“I can’t say thank you enough,” Pressy tweeted.

According to the team, Pressy has performed at 2,680 consecutive games (narrowly eclipsing Cal Ripken’s 2,632 consecutive games played streak), and by the time the regular season is over, he will have performed at 2,687 straight contests.

Pressy is best-known for his renditions of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” tailoring the pacing of the song to the guest conductors of the seventh inning stretch tune.

“I’ve been there a third of a century, and I think the cup is full,” Pressy told the Chicago Tribune. “I was debating it back and forth, but I really just wanted to spend more quality time with my family.”

The Cubs have said they will hire a new organist, ensuring that the traditional music that is such a staple of the Friendly Confines will continue to play for years to come.

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