US EditionAt 89, Fred Costello plays the organ on opening day in Rochester just like he has since 1977
- Fred Costello, age 89, marked his 48th baseball season playing the organ for the Rochester Red Wings at their home opener.
- Costello received a phone call from then-Rochester general manager Don Labbruzzo when he was looking for a gig.
- Costello has played 4,987 games overall, including 3,458 Red Wings games and three with the Buffalo Sabres.
- Costello said he received offers from the Yankees and Mets but chose to stay in upstate New York.
- Costello, who turned 89, has been inducted into Halls of Fame and a Walk of Fame; Rochester even declared a Fred Costello Day in 2022.
22 Articles
22 Articles
At 89, Fred Costello plays the stadium organ, as he has done since 1977.
By DAN GELSTON Fred Costello could hit as well as he could carry a tune as a kid growing up in Syracuse, New York. He wanted to play in ballparks and figured the best way to achieve that dream was through good fielding and a standout swing. “I thought I was going to be the next Mickey Mantle,” he recalled. The idea of becoming the next great Yankees hitter didn’t pan out for Costello. His baseball career ended after a few years at the semi-pro l…
After nearly 50 years, baseball’s oldest organist still going strong in Upstate NY
Fred Costello could swing a bat about as well as he could perform a melody as a kid growing up in Syracuse, New York. He wanted to play at ballparks, and figured the best way to reach that dream was through slick fielding and a sweet swing.
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