Matthew Van Hoose has been the Nationals organist since 2010. Courtesy of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club

One of AU’s own plays nearly every game at Nationals Park—but you won’t find him on the field.

Since 2010, College of Arts and Sciences musician in residence Matthew Van Hoose has served as the Washington Nationals all-star organist. Perched high above home plate in a custom jersey bearing his name and No. 88 (corresponding to the number of keys on a piano), Van Hoose has provided the soundtrack to more than 1,000 DC ballgames—from Stephen Strasburg’s highly-anticipated debut in 2010 to a storybook 2019 World Series run.

“Along with the DJ, we’re trying to provide some extra energy to the crowd in key moments,” said Van Hoose, who plays a cherry red Viscount Sonus 60 in the press box. “Usually, we’re getting the crowd hyped up.” 

Matthew Van Hoose plays the organ during a recent night game at Nationals Park. Courtesy of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club.

Ray Nelson became the first person to play the organ before a 1941 Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field—a tradition that’s as much a part of America’s pastime as peanuts and beer. Today, Van Hoose is among just 13 Major League Baseball (MLB) organists—an elite fraternity of musicians who often share ideas for performances.

“I see it as a nice, traditional part of a baseball game—like popcorn and Cracker Jacks,” Van Hoose said with a smile. “Even if all 30 teams had organists, it would still be really special. I want to uphold this standard, so to speak, that’s been set by organists before me.”

The organ came to Nats Park when it opened in 2008—three years after the Montreal Expos moved to DC. When Van Noose heard Washington was getting an MLB team (again), he sent a demo CD featuring a Bach prelude to showcase his skills. By March 2010, the Nationals asked him to audition for the gig, which he’s held ever since.

Matthew Van Hoose poses in front of a cherry red Viscount Sonus 60 in the press box. Courtesy of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club.

At AU, Van Hoose gives private piano lessons and accompanies student musicians, including AU’s Chamber Singers, at concerts and recitals. His work at the ballpark requires a more artful touch, playing in tight windows between action on the field.

Before each game, Van Hoose—who can play by ear—jots down a playlist of 30 to 40 tunes, from “Last Friday Night” by Katy Perry to “Industry Baby” by Lil Nas X to “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen. Over the years, “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder and “Rock Lobster” by the B-52 have also been favorites.

Balancing two gigs as a musician can be tricky, but “both the Nats and AU have been great,” Van Noose said. “There are times when I have a 1 p.m. game and a rehearsal at the same time. Honestly, some days it wouldn’t be possible if both sides weren’t flexible.”

Matthew Van Hoose plays the keys. Courtesy of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club.

Tickets are still available for AU Day at Nationals Park at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28, as the good guys take on the New York Yankees. Festivities include an appearance from President Jon Alger and his wife, Mary Ann, before the first pitch and a mid-game meetup between Clawed Z. Eagle and his fine-feathered friend, Screech, the Nationals’ mascot.