CHICAGO -- Gary Pressy has provided the soundtrack for the Wrigley Field experience for more than three decades, his fingers dancing across the keyboard of the organ in a booth in the upper deck of the old ballpark.
Once the 2019 season comes to a close for the Cubs, Pressy will have struck his final note as the ballclub's organist. After 33 years of living out his childhood dream, Pressy has decided the time has come to retire in order to spend more time with his family.
"I’ve been there a third of a century," Pressy told the Chicago Tribune. "And I think the cup is full. I was debating it back and forth, but I really just wanted to spend more quality time with my family. Around the All-Star break, I really got to thinking about it and made my decision."
Pressy, who will turn 62 in November, began his career with the Cubs in 1987, and Saturday marked his 2,679th consecutive game at the keyboard. The Cubs plan on honoring Pressy during the current homestand, but he hopes to still have some home games left to work in October.
"I’m hoping my last appearance this year will be at another parade," Pressy told the Tribune. "That would work out."