Nancy Faust Returns to Rate Field: A Soundtrack Rekindled
CHICAGO — For decades, Nancy Faust provided the heartbeat of the ballpark—one song, one well-timed organ riff at a time. Now, she’s back.
The beloved former White Sox organist is returning to Rate Field to play during six Sunday home games this season. And when the call came inviting her back, it felt like fate.
“It was music to my ears,” Faust said with a laugh during a phone interview Tuesday. “I was just so joyful I could hardly sleep. I feel very comfortable there. I’m in my wheelhouse.”
In classic Faust fashion, her return nearly became a missed connection. A text from scoreboard director Jeff Szynal arrived while her phone was out of commission. When she finally read it—days later—her heart leapt. The Sox wanted her back.
Back to Where It All Began
Faust’s return starts this Sunday for the series finale against the Marlins. She had a practice run Tuesday afternoon and is already dreaming up playful, player-inspired tunes—a signature that made her a legend at old Comiskey and its modern successor from 1970 to 2010.
Walkup music? Faust was doing it long before it was automated or player-selected.
Dick Allen? She played “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Pete Incaviglia? “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.” For Andrew Benintendi, she’s torn between “Benny and the Jets” and the Nintendo theme.
And Luis Robert Jr., who wears No. 88?
“I’d go with ‘Double Vision,’” she said. “Maybe ‘Mr. Roboto,’ or even the theme from ‘Eight is Enough.’ And of course, ‘Louie, Louie.’”
A Six-Game Encore
Faust will be at the keys for these six Sunday games:
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May 12 vs. Marlins
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May 25 vs. Rangers
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June 8 vs. Royals
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June 29 vs. Giants
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July 13 vs. Guardians (part of the 2005 World Series reunion weekend)
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August 10 vs. Guardians
She’ll begin playing as gates open at 11:40 a.m. CT, offering fans full versions of her thoughtfully selected songs—something she missed in the more abbreviated format during games.
“I’ve worked up great songs with my sequencer and drum unit,” Faust said. “Probably a flow of emotions. I’ll settle in after a few songs.”
More Than Music
While Faust hasn’t played a Major League game since her retirement in 2010, she’s kept active—performing at Minor League games, Spring Training in Glendale, and baseball-themed events.
But nothing compares to the energy of White Sox fans at home.
“I’m blown away by the response,” she said. “My 41 years [with the team] were the best years of my life. I made so many great connections and friends.”
Even now, her stories are full of that special Faust flavor: one time, a Veeck-led promotion involved a live donkey on the field—and yes, Faust adopted it. She still keeps two donkeys at home with her husband on a five-acre property near Hawthorn Woods, Ill.
The Ballpark Is Home
As the White Sox look to recapture energy on the field, Faust is bringing some of the old magic back to the stands. For longtime fans, her return is like hearing your favorite song again—warm, nostalgic, and deeply familiar.
“Where else can you go where everybody is in agreement and out to have a good time?” Faust said. “That’s what I was surrounded with for so many years. I did miss it. … So, I’m back.”
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