There are things at Dickey Stephens Park that scream baseball and take us back to our childhoods.

Since 2008, Trey Trimble has played a major role in that experience sitting behind his organ.

What once was a staple at every ballpark before laptops and the internet – the organ got you pumped to yell CHARGE, provided the melody for the beloved seventh-inning stretch and kept us entertained between innings on a beautiful summers night.

 “That’s what it’s all about,” Trimble said. “Trying to recreate the Golden Age. I play mostly songs from the 1940’s. Definitely nothing newer than the 80’s.”

There are only two organ players in all of Minor League Baseball with Trimble of course being half of that number. Music has always played a major role in his life, but being the organ player for the Travelers was something that almost didn’t happen if it weren’t for his family.

“My Grandmother saw an ad in the paper,” Trimble recalled. “I didn’t want to go. I’ve always been shy – she made me try out.”

So during a rain delay six-years ago, Trimble made his Travs debut.

“It was pouring down rain,” Trimble said. “Management sat me down in front of an old 1960’s organ. I had never played the organ before in my life. I had always played the piano! They said here you go, start playing and we’ll hear you as we walk around the ballpark. I didn’t know what to play so I started with the Mario Brothers theme song, went on to some TV show themes and a little Rag Time.”

Not hearing from anyone, Trimble stopped playing and started searching for the Travs front office. He found them and he’s been in the organ box ever since.

It’s quite a story really for an ultra-talented guy who is self taught. That’s right Travelers fans – self taught!

“I think it’s truly a God-given talent,” Trimble said smiling. “I have grown up around music all of my life coming from a very musical family plus I was home-schooled so there was always music surrounding me. I tried lessons but that didn’t last long as soon as they found out that I couldn’t read music.”

Amazing!

Growing up along side his love of music was also a love of baseball.

“I’m a Rangers fan but of course a much bigger Travelers fan, ” Trimble chuckled. “I used to go to Ray Winder Field as a kid and watch the Travs play and listen to Rich Pharris play. Little did I know that I would end up following in his footsteps.”

As you can image, there are great stories to be told when you’re trying to play during a game and the organ box is right there in the concourse – fair game for everyone.

“Oh yea, fans come by and use it as a table while they are eating,” Trimble said. “Still haven’t eaten someones food though. One time a bird landed on the box and just sat there for like eight-minutes listening to me play. Could not believe it.”

The most requested song is no doubt Lynyrd Skynard’s “Free Bird” and the marriage proposals have been a plenty.

“I’ve got great memories of doing this and know that there will be a ton more,” Trimble said. ” Some of my fondest come from that very first season back in 2008. It was my first year and the Travelers won the Texas League title. Foul balls have scared me to death. People ask me to play weird songs like the theme from “House”. It’s a great way to spend the summer.”

Dave Barr (@daveabarr)