CHICAGO -- Gene Honda, the iconic White Sox public address announcer at Rate Field, made the stadium announcement of Nancy Faust’s return to the South Side somewhere around 30 minutes before first pitch Sunday afternoon.
Without missing a beat, Faust, the equally iconic White Sox organist from 1970-2010, broke into "I’m So Excited" by the Pointers Sisters. Her good fastball clearly was still in place.
“It feels like old times. It’s wonderful,” said Faust, taking a brief break before the National Anthem. “I’ve seen a lot of familiar faces. I couldn’t be more excited. What a special Mother’s Day this is.”
The White Sox announced Faust’s return for six Sundays during the 2025 season, beginning on Mother’s Day. She also will be playing on May 25, June 8, June 29, July 13 and Aug. 10. The July 13 date culminates the 20-year-reunion weekend for the ‘05 World Series championship, which Faust rates as a top moment during her long tenure.
Although she has played Minor League games, Spring Training venues and other baseball-themed events since leaving in 2010, Sunday marked her first time returning to a big league regular-season game.
“Things had changed musically and my role was somewhat diminished.” said Faust of her departure. “But since then I’m aware of what’s going on at other ballparks and I think the role of the organist is somewhat highlighted again.
“There’s just something that’s synonymous with hearing that and baseball, and I think that there’s a place for many organists still. So, I’m glad to be one of them for a few games this year.”
Fans clearly were thrilled by Faust’s return. They stood around her organist booth, featuring a plaque dedicated to her on the side, peeking their heads in from the side or the open-air front to issue welcomes.
One fan stridently pointed out the need for Faust to be back full time at Rate Field. For now, the White Sox as an organization simply are thrilled to have her back.
“We were always hoping we could come back and have her play again. So, this is a dream come true,” said Joe Jenkins, Faust’s husband of 45 years, who was with her near the booth. “I couldn’t be more excited.”
“They are showing me pictures from 20 years ago,” said Faust of the fan interactions. “It’s kind of fun.”
Walk-up music, which Faust unofficially invented years ago, made it unnecessary for Faust to play for the White Sox players' plate appearances. She did play for the visiting Marlins upon hearing a name triggering a familiar song, while playing in between innings or for a message on the scoreboard where she could think of an appropriate jingle. She also played long form songs as soon as the fans entered the ballpark, including a rousing rendition of Lady Gaga’s "Poker Face."
Faust’s son, Eric, was in attendance, which seemed appropriate. Nancy and Joe brought Eric home from the hospital on Mother’s Day as part of the only five days she missed in over four decades on the job. Sunday marked an emotional return to doing what she loves, playing where she feels at home.
“At the very beginning, it was [emotional],” Faust said. “But I’m so concentrated on what I’m doing. To sit here and play and think it’s been 15 years, it’s unbelievable. It’s remarkable.”