Dodgers Organist Nancy Bea Hefley Announces Retirement
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Nancy Bea Hefley has announced her retirement as the Dodger Stadium organist.
Hefley, 79, who was born in San Pedro and grew up in Los Angeles, took over for Helen Dell in 1988 and has played at Dodger Stadium for the past 28 years.
"I have had a wonderful time playing for the Dodgers and their fans," said Hefley. "My husband and I felt that this was the right time to settle down in our home in Silver Springs and eliminate all the travel. The Dodgers have told me I can come back and make guest appearances and I greatly appreciate this gesture. I hope to get back to Dodger Stadium on occasion."
Thank you, Nancy Bea! ???? Longtime Dodger organist Nancy Bea Hefley announced she is retiring after this season. pic.twitter.com/mPR0RDXA3N
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 3, 2015
The announcement comes weeks after Dodgers announcer Vin Scully announced that he would be returning for a record 67th season.
Hefley made her audition to become the Dodgers organist at an exhibition game between the Dodgers and the USC Trojans in 1988.
Dodgers broadcaster and former pitcher Orel Hershiser presented Hefley with a Dodgers jersey and bouquet of flowers on the field.
Thank you, Nancy Bea! pic.twitter.com/YRJqboim2X
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 3, 2015
