The 72 year history of Omaha hosting the College World Series.
OMAHA — Athletes seem to know when it’s time to retire.
The same can be said of organists.
And so 81-year-old Jerry Pawlak, the only organist to play at the College World Series since its move downtown, is stepping away. He's worked at the CWS since 2011 after taking over for longtime Rosenblatt Stadium organist Lambert Bartak.
“I’m slowing down,” he said. “I can’t imagine doing this at 82.”
A native of Chicago, Pawlak was born into a musical family. He was playing in his dad’s band when he was 12.
“It was pretty easy at the time,” he said. “I played the piano until I was 21 and then switched to the organ.”
Later employed by Burlington Northern, the railroad company transferred him to Lincoln in 1988. He continued his music before getting the chance to play at the CWS for Bartak, who first played the organ at the series in the 1950s.
“Lambert never really gave me too much advice,” Pawlak said. “He said, ‘You’re a pro. You’ll figure it out.'”
Jerry Pawlak of Lincoln is retiring as the organist for the College World Series after 11 years.
ANNA REED, Omaha WORLD-HERALD
There’s another connection to Bartak, who died in 2013. Pawlak is playing the same organ that made the move from Rosenblatt to then-TD Ameritrade Park in 2011.
“It’s over 43 years old,” Pawlak said. “It’s been refinished and it still sounds great.”
Pawlak serenades fans before games and during mound visits. Of course, he plays “Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh-inning stretch.
“I’m not sure how many times I’ve played that over the years,” he said. “It’s always special because that’s my moment.”
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Pawlak does not need sheet music, a talent he developed while playing at piano bars in Chicago.
“If somebody had a request and put a few bucks in my tip jar, I needed to know how to play that song,” he said. “I’ve got a pretty big repertoire.”
As a Husker fan, Pawlak said he also has been known to play a certain school’s fight song.
“I like to slip in ‘There Is No Place Like Nebraska’ from time to time,” he said. “The fans still like to hear that.”
CWS Executive Director Kathryn Morrissey, who is also retiring in September, said she appreciated the contribution Pawlak has made to the event.
“Jerry has been a fixture,” she said. “His melodies and feel for the game have kept thousands of fans entertained over his 11-year career.”
Pawlak sits high above Schwab Field in a production room of the press box.
“There’s 25 other people in there and it can get pretty noisy,” he said. “I have earphones so I can concentrate on what I’m doing.”
Moving on from the CWS, Pawlak will remain busy. He is the secretary/treasurer of the River City Organ Society, and he’ll produce the organization’s annual concert Aug. 7 at the Rose Theatre.
As for any advice to his successor, Pawlak said he would keep it simple.
“Be a pro and make it your own,” he said. “And always have fun doing it.”
Photos: 2022 College World Series June 26
Ole Miss celebrates their national championship after the second game against Oklahoma during the College World Series Finals on Sunday.
MEGAN NIELSEN THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss celebrates their national championship after the second game against Oklahoma during the College World Series Finals on Sunday.
MEGAN NIELSEN THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss celebrates their national championship after the second game against Oklahoma during the College World Series Finals on Sunday.
MEGAN NIELSEN THE WORLD-HERALD
Mississippi's Tim Elko holds up the championship trophy after defeating Oklahoma during the College World Series Finals on Sunday at Charles Schwab Field Omaha.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Ole Miss celebrates their national championship after the second game against Oklahoma during the College World Series Finals on Sunday.
MEGAN NIELSEN THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss celebrates a national championship after defeating Oklahoma in a College World Series game on Sunday.
CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss celebrates their win over Oklahoma in the College World Series on Sunday.
CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss fans react and the Rebels win the 2022 College World Series on Sunday.
Z LONG THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss' Jacob Gonzalez is greeted after scoring in the eighth inning against Oklahoma during a College World Series game on Sunday.
CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss' Justin Bench scores on a passed ball to take the lead over Oklahoma during a College World Series game on Sunday.
CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss' Jacob Gonzalez is greeted after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning against Oklahoma during a College World Series game on Sunday.
CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD
Oklahoma's Skip Johnson has a discussion with home plate umpire Adam Dowdy after John Spikerman was ruled out because of interference, which negated a Sooner score during a College World Series game against Mississippi on Sunday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
CHRIS MACHIAN, Omaha World-Herald
Ole Miss' Jacob Gonzalez can’t get to a ball in left field leading to an Oklahoma run during a College World Series game on Sunday.
LILY SMITH THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss' Hunter Elliott waits as Mike Bianco removes him from the game during a College World Series game on Sunday.
LILY SMITH THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss' Hayden Leatherwood reacts after the Rebels closed out an inning against Oklahoma during a College World Series game on Sunday.
LILY SMITH THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss fans rain beverages into the air after a Jacob Gonzalez home run in the sixth inning against Oklahoma during a College World Series game on Sunday.
LILY SMITH THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss' John Gaddis reacts after getting a bases loaded strikeout to end the seventh inning against Oklahoma during a College World Series game on Sunday.
LILY SMITH, THE WORLD-HERALD
Mississippi fans cheer after Jacob Gonzalez's home run against Oklahoma during a College World Series game Sunday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
CHRIS MACHIAN, Omaha World-Herald
Ole Miss' Mike Bianco successfully challenges for runner interference against Oklahoma during a College World Series game Sunday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
CHRIS MACHIAN, Omaha World-Herald
Mississippi's Tim Elko holds his arm after colliding with Oklahoma's John Spikerman, who was called out for interference, during a College World Series game Sunday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
CHRIS MACHIAN, Omaha World-Herald
An Ole Miss fan takes a cell phone photo during a trophy ceremony after a Men's College World Series championship game at Charles Schwab Field Omaha on Sunday.
LILY SMITH THE WORLD-HERALD
Mississippi's Peyton Chatagnier collects a ground ball before throwing out Oklahoma's Jimmy Crooks during a College World Series game Sunday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
CHRIS MACHIAN, Omaha World-Herald
An Ole Miss fan holds a sign after Ole Miss defeats Oklahoma during a Men's College World Series championship game at Charles Schwab Field Omaha on Sunday.
LILY SMITH THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss fans celebrate after a Men's College World Series championship game at Charles Schwab Field Omaha on Sunday.
LILY SMITH THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss fans celebrate after Ole Miss defeats Oklahoma during a Men's College World Series championship game at Charles Schwab Field Omaha on Sunday.
LILY SMITH THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss' Mason Nichols jumps to high five a fan along the outfield wall after Ole Miss defeats Oklahoma during a Men's College World Series championship game at Charles Schwab Field Omaha on Sunday.
LILY SMITH THE WORLD-HERALD
Mississippi's Brandon Johnson (left) and Hayden Dunhurst celebrate their win over Oklahoma in the College World Series championship Sunday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Oklahoma's Tanner Tredaway sits in the dugout as Ole Miss celebrates winning the College World Series on Sunday.
CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD
Mississippi celebrates its national championship after winning the second game against Oklahoma during the College World Series Finals on Sunday at Charles Schwab Field Omaha.
MEGAN NIELSEN, Omaha World-Herald
Ole Miss celebrates their national championship after the second game against Oklahoma during the College World Series Finals on Sunday.
MEGAN NIELSEN THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss celebrates their national championship after the second game against Oklahoma during the College World Series Finals on Sunday.
MEGAN NIELSEN THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss fans celebrate the three runs scored during the eighth inning of the second game against Oklahoma during the College World Series Finals on Sunday.
MEGAN NIELSEN THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss' Jacob Gonzalez drills a solo home run against Oklahoma during a College World Series game on Sunday.
CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD
Oklahoma's Jimmy Crooks slides safely into second base with a double as Ole Miss' Jacob Gonzalez dives to apply a tag during a College World Series game on Sunday.
CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss catcher Hayden Dunhurst celebrates after Sebastian Orduno strikes for the last out of the College World Series on Sunday.
CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD
Oklahoma's Diego Muniz, left, and Tanner Tredaway sits in the dugout as Ole Miss celebrates winning the College World Series on Sunday.
CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD
Oklahoma's John Spikerman sits in the dugout after losing to Ole Miss in the College World Series on Sunday.
CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss catcher Hayden Dunhurst celebrates after Sebastian Orduno strikes for the last out of the College World Series on Sunday.
CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss' Jacob Gonzalez and Kevin Graham can’t come up with a ball hit to left field which led to an Oklahoma run during a College World Series game on Sunday.
CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD
Oklahoma's Jimmy Crooks scores after a ball fell in shallow left field during a College World Series game against Mississippi on Sunday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
CHRIS MACHIAN, Omaha World-Herald
Oklahoma's Jackson Nicklaus tries to track down a ball hit by Mississippi during a College World Series game Sunday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
CHRIS MACHIAN, Omaha World-Herald
Oklahoma's Diego Muniz lays down a sac bunt in the sixth inning of a College World Series game against Mississippi on Sunday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
CHRIS MACHIAN, Omaha World-Herald
Mississippi's Jacob Gonzalez (7) and Peyton Chatagnier force out Oklahoma's John Spikerman to start a double play during a College World Series Finals game Sunday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
CHRIS MACHIAN, Omaha World-Herald
Oklahoma's Cade Horton throws a pitch against Ole Miss during a College World Series game on Sunday.
LILY SMITH THE WORLD-HERALD
Oklahoma's Kendall Pettis gets back into first base just ahead of a tag from Mississippi's Tim Elko during a College World Series game Sunday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
CHRIS MACHIAN, Omaha World-Herald
Mississippi's Jacob Gonzalez waits to apply a tag on Oklahoma's Kendall Pettis during a College World Series game Sunday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
CHRIS MACHIAN , Omaha World-Herald
Mississippi fans cheer at the start of a College World Series game against Oklahoma on Sunday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
MEGAN NIELSEN, Omaha World-Herald
Mississippi's Hunter Elliott pitches to Oklahoma during a College World Series game Sunday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
MEGAN NIELSEN, Omaha World-Herald
Oklahoma catcher Jimmy Crooks chats with pitcher Cade Horton during a College World Series game against Mississippi on Sunday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
CHRIS MACHIAN, Omaha World-Herald
Mississippi's Hunter Elliott pitches to Oklahoma during a College World Series game Sunday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
MEGAN NIELSEN, Omaha World-Herald
Oklahoma's Cade Horton pitches to Mississippi during a College World Series game Sunday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
MEGAN NIELSEN, Omaha World-Herald
Oklahoma's Cade Horton walks off the field after pitching in the first inning of a College World Series game against Mississippi on Sunday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
MEGAN NIELSEN, Omaha World-Herald
Ole Miss' Hunter Elliott pitches in the second inning during the second game of the College World Series Finals against Oklahoma on Sunday.
MEGAN NIELSEN THE WORLD-HERALD
Fans mostly consisting of Ole Miss faithful stand in line for tickets before a College World Series game on Sunday.
Z LONG THE WORLD-HERALD
Joanne Mitchell rocks a custom Ole Miss visor while waiting in line for tickets before a College World Series game on Sunday.
Z LONG THE WORLD-HERALD
Fans mostly consisting of Ole Miss faithful stand in line for tickets before a College World Series game on Sunday.
Z LONG THE WORLD-HERALD
Fans mostly consisting of Ole Miss faithful stand in line for tickets before a College World Series game on Sunday.
Z LONG THE WORLD-HERALD
Fans mostly consisting of Ole Miss faithful stand in line for tickets before a College World Series game on Sunday.
Z LONG THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss fans Pat Domin and Diane Hughes looks at their tickets after waiting in line for nearly four hours before a College World Series game on Sunday.
Z LONG THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss fans Joanne Mitchell and Michael Combs check out their tickets after standing in line since early in the morning before a College World Series game on Sunday.
Z LONG THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss fans welcome the team before a College World Series game on Sunday.
Z LONG THE WORLD-HERALD
Oklahoma's Diego Muniz applies eye black on John Spikerman before a College World Series game on Sunday.
CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD
Fans walk across College World Series Av before the start of the second Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma game in the College World Series Finals on Sunday.
MEGAN NIELSEN THE WORLD-HERALD
JT Haynes, an Ole Miss alumni living in Nashville, grabs drinks at Lefty's before the start of the second Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma game in the College World Series Finals on Sunday.
MEGAN NIELSEN THE WORLD-HERALD
Emily Shaver wears an ice cream cone costume to try and attract customers to Zesto before the start of the second Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma game in the College World Series Finals on Sunday.
MEGAN NIELSEN THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss fans stand outside the gate before the start of the second Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma game in the College World Series Finals on Sunday.
MEGAN NIELSEN THE WORLD-HERALD
CWS fans get drinks at Rocco's before the start of the second Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma game in the College World Series Finals on Sunday.
MEGAN NIELSEN THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss' Peyton Chatagnier takes a moment before the first pitch against Oklahoma during a College World Series game on Sunday.
LILY SMITH THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss' Tim Elko writes a message in the dirt before a College World Series game against Oklahoma on Sunday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
CHRIS MACHIAN, Omaha World-Herald
Fans cheer before the opening pitch at a College World Series game on Sunday.
CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD
Amy and Beau Cox cheer on Ole Miss after Oklahoma's third out in the fourth inning during the second game of the College World Series Finals on Sunday.
MEGAN NIELSEN THE WORLD-HERALD
Ole Miss fans cheer on their team during the sixth inning of the second game of the College World Series Finals on Sunday.
MEGAN NIELSEN THE WORLD-HERALD
Oklahoma fans stretch out their arms to motion for safe during the second game of the College World Series Finals on Sunday.
MEGAN NIELSEN THE WORLD-HERALD
Oklahoma fans react after a runner was ruled out for interference, taking back Oklahoma's run in the sixth inning during a College World Series game Sunday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
MEGAN NIELSEN, Omaha World-Herald
Mississippi fans celebrate after an Oklahoma runner was ruled out for interference, taking back Oklahoma's run in the sixth inning during second game of the College World Series Finals on Sunday.
MEGAN NIELSEN, Omaha World-Herald
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