Paul Richardson Biography

He never played, coached or managed in the major leagues, but Paul Richardson sports a genuine World Series ring. It's from the 1980 World Series the Phillies won.

Paul Richardson is credited with introducing such musical ballpark firsts as the one-liner "theme song" for players as they step up to the batter's box, and he gave the 6-note  Charge! , a definitive place in the sports world.

 Philadelphia Phillies Organist Paul Richardson

He first started playing the organ for the Phillies in 1970, the club's last season at the old Connie Mack Stadium. He was named Phillies "rookie of the year," that season.

Paul remembers, "My first year, I played the organ from the lower box-seat section behind first base at the old Connie Mack Stadium." He adds. "The following year, 1971, the Phillies moved to the Vet  (Veterans Stadium) and I played the organ in the control room of the million-dollar scoreboard."

Philadelphia Phillies Baseball Team Organist Paul Richardson
The "rookie of the year" takes
centerfield. (circa 1970)
From 1978 through 1982, Paul also played the organ for the New York Yankees when the Phillies were on the road. He's a friend of. Yankees' owner George Steinbrenner (an organ-music lover) who has his own organ in his New York home.

The World Series ring is just one of the well-deserved perks given to the man who in 1970 introduced a sound that became as much a part of Phillies baseball as peanuts and hot dogs.

George Steinbrenner and Phillies Baseball team Organist , Paul Richardson
Richardson and Steinbrenner
show their World Series rings
Pre-game, during games, between innings, post-game,  and rain delays: listening to him may not be "the" national pastime, but it has  become a Philadelphia pastime for hundreds of thousands of fans.

Today, Paul still is part of the Phillies roster, entertaining crowds at all their home games and other promotional events. Paul's CD's and tapes include ballpark favorites, swing, big band, popular, and contemporary tunes.

Philadelphia Phillies Baseball Team Organist Paul Richardson
Today, Paul still enjoys hundreds
of performances at Phillies games.

 

    • Paul Richardson
    1932 -2006
    yankee_necktie

    Paul Richardson passed away on October 2, 2006, of complications from prostrate cancer. His family wishes to thank all the well-wishers who have reached out to them during this period of bereavement.

    The web site you are viewing will remain functional for the coming months, allowing baseball music fans to have access to his CDs. When current supplies are gone, they will no longer be available.

    Our good friend, Mike Mixon, of Keyboard America is handling the sale of the instruments that Paul used at Veterans Stadium and at Citizens Bank Park. Please contact Mike if you'd like to put in a bid on these organs! 1-800-251-8887 or 302-644-9375

    www.keyboardamerica.com