Detroit Tigers debut Comerica Park organist against Houston Astros

Dave Calendine searched the archives and, looking through the entire history of Comerica Park – dating back to 2000 – found no notes.

And so he played his.

Friday night against the Houston Astros, Calendine became the Detroit Tigers’ primary organist at the corner of Adams and Witherell.

The Tigers reserved space for Calendine and his Hauptwerk organ, which features four keyboards, 32-foot pedals and two computer screens, in the press box for its debut during their 5-2 loss to the Astros.

“It’s fun to bring back an old tradition that never existed here,” said Calendine, who donned a Tigers jersey bearing the number 61 Friday night — not in honor of former closer Shane Greene, but in homage to the 61 keys of each of the four keyboards. “It’s just part of baseball.”

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Calendine, who also plays for the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena, is currently scheduled to play organ for Friday, Saturday and Sunday home games at Comerica Park for the remainder of the 2024 season.

“With the possibility of adding other games,” Calendine said.

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