Dodgers' organist Hefley announces retirement

LOS ANGELES -- Longtime Dodger Stadium organist Nancy Bea Hefley announced her retirement at Friday night's Dodgers-Padres game, effective at the end of the season.

Hefley, 79, took over for Helen Dell in 1988. She lives in Silver Springs, Nev., commuting back and forth each homestand.

"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."

"Nancy Bea has been a very dedicated Dodger employee, who has entertained our fans for many years, and we are most appreciative of her contributions each and every night," said Lon Rosen, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of the Dodgers. "We wish Nancy Bea and Bill well in their plans for retirement and we're looking forward to her coming back for special performances at Dodger Stadium."

In the mid-1980s, Hefley filled in for a friend as the organist for the then California Angels at Angel Stadium. When Dell retired as Dodgers' organist following the 1987 season, Hefley auditioned at an exhibition game between the Dodgers and USC Trojans on Feb. 14, 1988, and became the Dodgers' organist when the season began.