Former Dodger organist Nancy Bea Hefley has passed away
Nancy Bea Hefley, Dodger Stadium’s organist for 28 seasons from 1988 until 2015, passed away on Saturday at age 89.
Hefley played for more than 55 years at Bellflower Baptist Church. She was a substitute organist for the Angels before auditioning for the Dodger job on Valentine’s Day 1988, at an exhibition game between the Dodgers and USC.
Her timing was perfect, as she provided the background to many special moments during the Dodgers’ 1988 World Series championship season.
It was during that season that Orel Hershiser became the game’s dominant pitcher.
Hefley would play the song “Master of the House,” from the musical Les Misérables, as an accompaniment when Hershiser pitched at Dodger Stadium.
“There are many things that make Dodger Stadium special. The sensitivity and creativity of Nancy Bea made it extra special for me because she gave the ‘Master of the House,’” Hershiser said.
Hefley retired after the 2015 season.
The Dodgers have had three organists since 1971 — Helen Dell, Hefley and Dieter Ruehle.
Former Dodger organist Nancy Bea Hefley has passed away was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.