Fred Costello

♦ After last year’s cancellation of the Red Wing season, we’re all looking forward to opening day at Frontier Field on May 18th. When I started in 1977, it was more of a one year event for me, something I thought would be fun as I loved baseball my whole life. Well, needless to say, the Red Wings have become a large part of my life. Not only for myself, but my whole family. My wife Cathie started as game night secretary two years after me and like myself, is still there. My three kids all worked there at one time or another. Chris started off as batboy and eventually he and Terry ran both clubhouses for years. With my daughter Jackie occasionally working there also, it kind of became the “Costello Red Wings.” I am so proud to be a part of this class organization and the great front office which has become “family.” Who would have thought on that fateful opening day in 1977 that I’d now be the longest reining sports organist in the country!

Last season’s void gave me time to reflect on my 44 years as Wings organist. Some of my favorite memories are: My first opening day in 1977... Being featuring on NBC’s Game Of The Week… Writing and recording “Here Come The Red Wings” theme song… Voted into the Frontier Field “Walk Of Fame”… Playing 3rd base for Johnny Antonelli’s team in an old-timers game… Receiving championship rings for 1988, 1990 and 1997… Getting my own Topps baseball card… Receiving the “Spirit Of The International League Award”… My own Bobble Head… My band featured at the Silver Stadium Jazz Fest…Watching my sons growing up from batboys to heads of the home and visitors clubhouses… Turning down the Yankees, Mets, Rockies and 76ers as their organist… Receiving “Charlie Wagner Award”… Directing the annual Red Wing baseball camp at Frontier Field… Having visitors in the organ booth including Hank Aaron, Whitey Ford, Bob Feller, Yogi Berra, Goose Gossage, Denny McLain, Darryl Strawberry, Carmen Basilio and so many more… Writing my bio, “A Lifetime Of Nightclubs & Ballparks”… Playing closing night at Silver Stadium and Opening Day at Frontier Field… Like the song says; “The Best Is Yet To Come”.

♦ Roger Eckers and I will resume our weekend gig at Charley Brown's when the nightclub restrictions are lifted. We'll be there on Fridays and Saturdays except when the Red Wings are in town and on those dates I'll be at Frontier Field.

Quote Of The Month: “When we played softball, I'd steal second base, feel guilty and go back.” Woody Allen

Every Friday & Saturday – Fred Costello & Roger Eckers Jazz Duo
Charley Brown’s Restaurant – 1675 Penfield Rd.
(Listen to Fred at all the Rochester Red Wing home games)

"Blues Backstage" CD $15.00 (includes shipping)

"A Lifetime Of Nightclubs & Ballparks" Book $ 20.00 (includes shipping)

TO ORDER FRED’S CD or BOOK BY MAIL:

Mail to:
Music Associates
P.O. Box 25176
Rochester, NY 14625

“Anthology” CD:
$15.00 (includes shipping)

“Blues Backstage” CD:
$15.00 (includes shipping)

“A Lifetime Of Nightclubs & Ballparks” Book:
$ 20.00 (includes shipping)

OOKING & INFORMATION CONTACT:

Contact information: 585-381-2144