Dodgers’ Organist Dieter Ruehle Steals Spotlight in Historic Game

UPDATE: The World Series Game 3 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays on October 27, 2023, has set a record as the longest Major League Baseball game ever, stretching an astounding 18 innings. As fans anxiously awaited the conclusion, Dieter Ruehle, the Dodgers’ organist, became an unexpected hero, delivering comedic relief through his music.

With tension mounting in the stadium and at home, Ruehle kept spirits high by playing a series of cleverly chosen songs. Among his selections were Coldplay’s “Clocks” and Billy Joel’s “The Longest Time,” culminating in a playful rendition of Limahl’s “Never Ending Story” as the game dragged on. Fans took to social media to praise Ruehle, with one user dubbing him the “World Series Game 3 MVP.” Another chimed in, “Give the organist at Dodger Stadium a raise. Just non-stop bangers with a sense of humor.”

Ruehle’s knack for humor isn’t new; he previously entertained fans during a game when a car caught fire in the parking lot, playing Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” The Dodgers made history by hiring the first full-time organist, Gladys Goodding, back in 1942, and Ruehle is now among the ranks of legendary organists like Nancy Bea Hefley.

This latest performance reinforces Ruehle’s unique musical style. According to an ESPN profile, his journey began as a child, inspired by iconic Dodgers organists. Although he has taken music classes, Ruehle is largely self-taught, blending various genres from Hechizeros Band’s “El Sonidito” to Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather.” His talents have led to performances at six Olympic events and contributions to Kobe Bryant’s children’s podcast, “The Punies.”

In addition to his role with the Dodgers since 2016, Ruehle is also the organist for the Los Angeles Kings. His first chance to play for the Kings came at just 12 years old during a “sports fantasy” segment, and he hasn’t looked back since. Notably, in a December 2021 game, he played “Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang” by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg while Snoop was in attendance, receiving a shoutout on the Kings’ broadcast.

For those curious about Ruehle’s musical choices, fans created the Dieter Decoder Twitter page in 2019. The account invites fans to share and decipher his eclectic selections, fostering a community of fellow Dodgers enthusiasts.

As the World Series continues, Ruehle’s performances will undoubtedly remain a highlight, providing not just music but laughter in moments of tension. With the game still ongoing and fans glued to their seats, Ruehle is proving that sometimes the heart of the game beats not just in the players, but in the sounds that surround them.