Dieter Ruehle
I don’t know a thing about organs—couldn’t tell a Roland Atelier from a waffle iron. But I do know how it feels when the music hits just right in a ballpark. That’s what I wanted to ask Dieter Reuhl about. What’s it like to play the soundtrack to one of the most iconic teams in the world? How do you mix spontaneity with precision, reverence with crowd noise, Billy Joel with a car fire? What follows is a conversation about connection, memory, and what makes Dodger Stadium more than a ballpark. Spoiler: it’s got a lot to do with feel.
Can you just describe—in general—how do you put into words the experience of being the organist for one of the most famous baseball teams in the history of the sport?
Well, you said it all right there—it never gets old. I’ve been going to that stadium since I was a kid, in the mid to late ’70s. Even with renovations, it still has the familiar feel. It’s in the same location. It just has this vibe, and it’s a thrill to play the organ there.
What is it like from your seat, watching baseball and playing music? How much do you love the game of baseball, and how do you tie that with your passion for music?
I love baseball. When I’m working a game, I’m watching it like a broadcaster would—but I’m doing my own form of “broadcasting,” reacting live to what’s happening on the field. It’s like creating a live soundtrack. I prepare at home, I prepare at the stadium, and sometimes ideas just come to me in the moment. I’m not speaking with my mouth—I’m speaking through my fingers.
The organ is such an iconic sound. To have something like that be at your fingertips—how special is that?
I’m grateful. Not every team has the organ anymore, but the ones that do understand that fans appreciate it. It’s not just for old people—people of all ages seem to enjoy it. It’s synonymous with the stadium experience. Like at a college football game, you expect to hear the brass band. In baseball, hockey, basketball—some places still understand the value of the organ. But there’s also a responsibility for the organist to keep it fresh.
Some stadiums just use recordings, and I think that’s because the organists stopped evolving. The technology is there to press a button—but does it feel the same? I don’t think so. I really appreciate the Dodgers for keeping it real.
How cool is it to do the Dodgers, the Kings, and a bunch of Olympics? How great a life experience is that?
I never would have thought I’d get to go around the world doing what I love. I’ve done six Olympics, DJ’d for the NBA in Europe and China, and last year, played the first-ever NHL games in Australia.
They wanted a North American feel, so they brought me. The fans reacted so well—they put me on the video board. They could see me playing, and they were cheering and applauding. That meant a lot.
You’re from LA. Were you a big Dodger fan growing up?
Absolutely. But I was also into organists from around the country. Vince Lascheid in Pittsburgh—he played for the Pirates and Penguins. I’d hear different organists when the Dodgers or Kings went on the road. Each stadium had its own sound. That’s how I got inspired to play things like “Bennie and the Jets.”
So yeah, I’m LA born and raised, but I always appreciated the variety and personality that each organist brought to their park.
This book is about the ballpark experience. What’s it like for you at Dodger Stadium? What’s going to stay with you when this chapter of your life is over?
I’m fortunate that it’s Dodger Stadium. The PA system is big and booming—it sounds great on TV and radio. I’m also grateful for the personal connections. Maria in the dining room, Joe Davis, Orel Hershiser, Rick Monday—everyone’s so kind. Even the front office folks, like Jared at reception.
And the venue itself—it’s built into a hill. On press level, during big moments like Freddie Freeman’s walk-off grand slam, we literally bounce. The crowd shakes the place. We’ve even had earthquakes, and I’ve had to stop and go, “Wait—is that the crowd or is that the ground?”
Moments like that—when the fans are rocking the place and you feel it in your body—those are the things I’ll never forget.
If someone’s coming to Dodger Stadium for the first time, what should they expect?
It varies, game to game. But generally, they’ll hear a mix of prerecorded music and live organ. They’ll hear Todd Leitz, our PA announcer. Sometimes we play nothing at all—just the murmur of the crowd.
If it’s your first time, I’d say: take it all in. Enjoy the view. Enjoy what you hear. And don’t worry about the weather—it pretty much never rains.
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NOTE: The above was edited for clarity and length.
You can read the full transcript here.