Citizens Bank Park 7th Inning Stretch

[RickO4404]

The organ music in the background was from one of the late Paul Richardson's great renditions of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." Richardson was the Phillies organist from the last year at Connie Mack Stadium in 1970 through the Phillies years at the Vet. When the team moved into Citizens Bank Ballpark, Richardson didn't play the organ during the games; as he'd gotten replaced by canned music. Rest in Peace, Paul Richardson. He was one of the finest stadium organists in the country.

[AshburnStadium]

Actually, for the 2004 season, Paul performed in Ashburn Alley, as the Phillies didn't see fit to include an organist's booth in Citizens Bank Park.

Paul retired after that season and passed away in 2006.

It has been a sad decade for Phillies fans, except for our 2008 world championship.

First we lost Paul ("Pope") Owens (2003), then Tug McGraw (2004), Paul Richardson (2006), John Vukovich (2007) and most recently, Harry Kalas (2009).

[AshburnStadium]

This can't hold a candle to the 7th-inning stretch at Veterans Stadium. This one sounds rushed.

Rest in peace, Paul Richardson! (the late organist at the Vet)