“Dear Sean, how can we save this country?” came the email.
The writer of this letter lives in West Virginia. His name is Roger. I have no idea why Roger thinks a hayseed like me is qualified to answer this loaded question. I’m not a smart guy. I’m so dense, blondes tell jokes about me.
Still, if I were forced to answer this question, I’d say, for starters, Roger, the way to save this country, first and foremost, is to put the Wurlitzer organ back in baseball.
I don’t know if you’re aware, but Major League Baseball has undergone many changes since you and I were kids. Many, many changes. Bad ones. Even the game’s rules have changed.
Baseball is our sacred pastime. Baseball was played during the Civil War. Baseball is America. Some scholars believe stickball was played during the Pilgrim days. And the Wurlitzer organist was the Pilgrim’s most valuable team player.
Today, the organ has been nixed. I went to a game recently, and all I heard was Keith Urban.
This is an affront.
On April 26, 1941, organist Ray Nelson debuted at Wrigley Field, playing an organ. It was the first organ music to be heard in baseball. Nelson played before a crowd of 18,678 Chicago Cubs fans. He played such standards as, “When the Midnight Choo-Choo Leaves for T-U-L-S-A.”
At one time in America, all ballparks had organists. Today, only 7 parks feature organs. Most stadiums now use canned music, including pop-country.
Let me go on record to say, I’d rather eat a jockstrap than listen to Luke Bryan singing “Knockin’ Boots” between batters.
Another way to save this country is to bring back piano lessons. At one time in this nation, 79 percent of Americans took piano lessons during childhood. Do you know what the percentage is now? Eight percent. That’s not enough Americans to form a chess club.
I took piano lessons as a child. My teacher was named Miss Betty. She smelled like Estée Lauder bath powder and Icy Hot. She told me to keep my fingers curved. And if I played “Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Thee” without mistakes, she would give me free ice cream. I gained six pounds beneath her tutelage.
This country needs dinner on the grounds. Do you remember dinner on the grounds? No? Well, I’m not surprised. Most people have forgotten it.
Dinner on the grounds was a church thing. A long time ago, churches were tiny. Mere country chapels, located in hayfields, with no A/C. Churches weren’t charismatic theme-parks with Starbucks and ushers driving golf carts. They were itty-bitty sanctuaries with fellowship halls that smelled like mildew.
A few times each year, churches had outdoor dinners, on the lawn. Often around Decoration Day. The whole church would gather, eat copious amounts of refined sugar and cholesterol, and later, all God’s children required injections of insulin.
This country needs Lawrence Welk. We need Roy Clark and Buck Owens. We need Thomas and Richard Smothers. Bing Crosby. Nat Cole. Blossom Dearie. Satchmo.
Our music has gone to perdition in a proverbial handbasket. At one time, American pop music featured actual harmony, and rhythm sections that were hot enough to boil eggs.
America had hit tunes like “What’d I Say?” “String of Pearls,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” and “Lovesick Blues.” Real music.
Today we have songs like—these are actual current hit titles—“Me & Ur Ghost,” “Whiskey on You,” and my nephews’ favorite song, “ABCDEFU,”
I’m no expert. But if you ask me, we need more Will Rogers, less Will Smith slaps. More Ray Charleses, less Justin Biebers. More Paul Harveys, less Kardashians. More Clark Kents, less Beavis and Buttheads. More Johnny Mercers, less Johnny Depps.
We need kids who make rope swings and dive into muddy creeks. We need young men who still open car doors for young women.
We need Norman Rockwell. We need Fred McFeely Rogers. We need less Netflix, more leapfrog. Less political commercials, more backyard barbecues.
The truth is, I don’t know how to save a country. In fact, I don’t know anything. But I know that love is a pretty good place to start.
I know that family dinners aren’t a bad idea. I know that playing checkers with your grandparents instead of browsing TikTok isn’t going to hurt anything.
And I believe, wholeheartedly, that we would have a fighting chance, as a culture, if we would only put down the phone, turn off the news, look each other in the eye, and declare that it’s time we put the Wurlitzer organ back in baseball.
106 comments
M. Prince - February 7, 2023 1:15 pm
Amen and Amen.
Our culture is unraveling right before our eyes and it “ain’t “ pretty.
Bonnie - February 7, 2023 1:18 pm
AMEN, Sean! You get an A+ on this one!
terric - February 7, 2023 1:22 pm
Now Sean, go ahead and take your shots at Luke Bryan – I agree – but kindly leave Keith Urban out of this. Love you much!
Cm - February 7, 2023 1:23 pm
Amen! I’m all in❣️
Martha - February 7, 2023 1:25 pm
I totally agree!
Judy C Adams - February 7, 2023 1:26 pm
Wow, you are amazing in your responses. Its truly a gift.
Emily - February 7, 2023 1:27 pm
Compassion, Sean, we all need to give a eachother a little Compassion
magnoliaemy - February 7, 2023 1:28 pm
I agree, Sean! I grew up in Jackson, Mississippi and my mother remembered that the lady who played the organ at Wright and Ferguson’s funeral home was also the organist for the local baseball team. How festive!
Trudy - February 7, 2023 1:28 pm
That will preach.
Sonya Tuttle - February 7, 2023 1:28 pm
Do all generations feel like this? I am part of the group that agrees with you. So much of the current status makes me sad. I no longer watch tv, even the news. I read old Readers Digest books, the Bible, and make quilts. When the weather is nice, I go outside and work in the yard. It feels like I am detaching from the world. I use Facebook to keep in touch with my 4 children who all live very far away, and the few friends who don’t hate it. Glad I lived this long, to know that the olden days were better than these days. But I am just “passing through”, this world is not my home.
Pat Deas - February 7, 2023 1:31 pm
You are a Old Soul ,an Old Soul indeed ! Times change and things change and certainly not always for the good. You are spot on on today’s column! At least some of can remember the “ Good Old Days “
Helen De Prima - February 7, 2023 1:35 pm
I would start with kids having phones which would only call home or 911.
MJ - February 7, 2023 1:36 pm
Yes 🙌🏼 I wholeheartedly agree with you!
Atch - February 7, 2023 1:37 pm
And Sean, let’s not forget The Waltons! If we all watched and lived the morals of the Walton family and their neighbors we could save our country. I do believe it!
Dub - February 7, 2023 1:41 pm
AMEN!!!
Ric Payson - February 7, 2023 1:42 pm
Atta boy !
Liz - February 7, 2023 1:45 pm
You hit all the right notes 🎶
Harriet - February 7, 2023 1:50 pm
AMEN!!!
Matt Ovaska - February 7, 2023 1:52 pm
You and I remember a time when good wholesome ethics and behavior was a result of a God fearing nation that raised kids to do the right thing or else. Your word and a hand shank was a verbal contract. If you broke your word, you might as well leave town. Doors were unlocked and keys left in the cars. I had the board of education at school and at home applied to my seat of learning. We took care of bullies. “Pick on some one your own size” was the warning carried severe consequences when ignored. You never hit a girl. You knew how to use the rifle by the front door if needed.
“In God we trust” on the inflated dollar bill is all that remains. Oh. I forgot to mention Sean!
Julie - February 7, 2023 1:54 pm
I vote YES! On the whole shebang!!
dn - February 7, 2023 2:05 pm
Absolutely true and hilarious as well. Thank you for this great piece of writing. My hat’s off to you. From an 86 year old with a great sense of humor. xxoo
Atch - February 7, 2023 2:06 pm
And Sean, let’s not forget the Waltons. I am certain if we watched more of the The Waltons and lived as that family and their neighbors lived, we could save our country!
Polly - February 7, 2023 2:07 pm
Well done, Sean!
Kam snyder - February 7, 2023 2:08 pm
Amen!🙏
c lyn burnette - February 7, 2023 2:09 pm
Amen! & there used to be a rock-sided church in Hernando, FL! With a basement! Yes, it had one! & to this day I can smell mildew & play dough! Church of the Nazarene. I think it’s still there but the Nazarene’s built bigger & moved.
Go to YouTube. Search Home Free Vocal Band. Listen to anything. ‘God Bless the USA’, ‘How Great Thou Art’, ‘Dive Bar Saints’. Welcome home! (& Adam Rupp IS the drums you hear) You can thank me later!
Joe Simcox - February 7, 2023 2:09 pm
Brilliant. Miss all of these. Wish I knew the ballparks still with organ music. Well written!! Thank you. Oh how I would love a grandchild asking me to play checkers!!!!
mccutchen52 - February 7, 2023 2:09 pm
The Atlanta Braves still play the organ. It is a Hammond SK1 and the young man does a pretty good job but you know that already.
David in California - February 7, 2023 2:10 pm
Awesome observations and commentary. Thanks
Joyce - February 7, 2023 2:17 pm
Sean for President!
Ellouise - February 7, 2023 2:26 pm
I agree with the majority of what you say today and every day. BUT. I am closing in on being 80 and, let me tell you — I could do with a LOT more Johnny Depp.
Deacon Nick - February 7, 2023 2:32 pm
Amen, Sean!! Great column!!
Priscilla Rodgers - February 7, 2023 2:34 pm
I amen all that brother Sean!
Lanie - February 7, 2023 2:40 pm
AMEN!!
Nance - February 7, 2023 2:45 pm
But if we put down all the phones and get off the internet and social media, nobody will be reading your words of wisdom about how to go backwards to save our country in the future. 😁
Carol - February 7, 2023 2:54 pm
By Gosh, I think you nailed it, Sean…AMEN!
denise - February 7, 2023 2:55 pm
Right on the nose, Sean. Love it.
Ann Davis - February 7, 2023 2:59 pm
I love this! I love your mind! Such common sense in such a humorous way. I think you’re one of the smartest people I know – sincerely!!
Bob Irvine - February 7, 2023 3:01 pm
I strongly believe he is right!
Mh - February 7, 2023 3:01 pm
WOW, For not having an answer, you said it all.
Shirley E - February 7, 2023 3:02 pm
Sean, I agree. Great column!
David Britnell - February 7, 2023 3:03 pm
I agree 100%!!
SweetOnion - February 7, 2023 3:05 pm
Well, I think you are spot on….unfortunately, the young people today don’t know half of what or who you are talking about. Their heads are brain dead from living in front of video games and their feelings are numb to reality. There will be few and far between young people who will understand the goodness of all you mentioned. I am glad I come from a generation that gets what you are talking about.
Paul Alge - February 7, 2023 3:05 pm
Right On Right On All we need is Love Dinner on the grounds and Andy Griffith Way to answer a loaded question Sean
Stephen - February 7, 2023 3:08 pm
AMEN!!
Susie - February 7, 2023 3:12 pm
Amen to this, Sean Dietrich!!
sjhl7 - February 7, 2023 3:20 pm
Amen!
Sue Adams - February 7, 2023 3:21 pm
AMEN
Bill Farley - February 7, 2023 3:25 pm
Outstanding, SEAN … I so enjoyed sending this to family / friends around the country ! !
Gordon - February 7, 2023 3:27 pm
What a wonderful, wonderful post, Sean! I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said. In fact, in the very near future, “traditional churches” will no longer have pianist and/or organist to lead services since there are less and less students studying piano. And the music of today stinks!!! Give me Ray Charles, Roger Williams, Perry Como any day!
Suzanne Mitchell - February 7, 2023 3:31 pm
❤️❤️❤️
Al Boggs - February 7, 2023 3:31 pm
Just want to say thanks. At my age, I have lived so much of what you say.
Mary - February 7, 2023 3:31 pm
AMEN!!!
GOD BLESS AMERICA 🇺🇸 🙏🏻
Thank you! ❤️
Justin - February 7, 2023 3:43 pm
The world needs to read more of your stuff! This was excellent!
Boyce Miller - February 7, 2023 3:46 pm
…and Packard automobiles.
AlaRedClayGirl - February 7, 2023 3:52 pm
A little Celtic Woman music is guaranteed to soothe the soul. You won’t angry for long while listening to their songs. Having animals, whether pets or livestock, to take care of helps to develop responsibility and empathy. Things have changed drastically in our world, not always for the better either. I think some of the past needs to be drug out and revisited sometimes.
Robert Troutman - February 7, 2023 3:56 pm
AMEN!! You,re on the right track!!
Debbie - February 7, 2023 4:03 pm
Preach it preacher! ❤️
jb - February 7, 2023 4:07 pm
And how about bringing back teachers who love teaching the 3 Rs instead of the latest leftwingisms.
Bonnie Danard - February 7, 2023 4:19 pm
Sean, this is a great piece. My piano teacher’s name was Mrs Senay, I loved her like an aunt. Glad she didn’t give me ice cream for my accomplishments. I played the church organ as a kid. We had an annual church picnic. I love baseball and so sad how I feel alone in that. You do have the answer. It’s love and kindness. Keep writing. You are spreading it with your words.
Gigi - February 7, 2023 4:31 pm
Wonderful post Sean, and I agree ! I might also add that at some point, parents stopped being “parents” to their children and wanted to be their kids “best friend.” No! You’re supposed to be their parents, to guide and nurture them, teach them right from wrong, train them, and yes, discipline them. Too many children have been given everything their heart desires and they’re spoiled, which made for “entitled” generation(s). Back when we were raising our children, they were taught a work ethic, they had chores to do. After the chores were done, they could play outside with their friends, play baseball, rides their bikes, go to the pool, etcetera. If they wanted something, (other than birthdays or Christmas), they saved their money and bought it. Also, as a nation, God has been set aside instead of being the center of our lives. Remember the Golden Rule? Young people today have never heard of it. Lack of morality, violence, anger, and respect are unfortunately the result, (not that they didn’t exist before), but it’s become much worse. We need more wholesome family shows like “The Andy Griffith Show” and “The Waltons”. All I can say is, I’m glad I was born in the 50’s.
Kathryn Shoalmire - February 7, 2023 4:38 pm
Hang tough. You are spot on!
Tawanah Fagan Bagwell - February 7, 2023 4:44 pm
Oh, Sean! I think that about said it all!
Carolyn Geck - February 7, 2023 4:52 pm
Amen, shout it from the rooftops. No more graciousness in America & not nearly enough pride.
Pat Morgan - February 7, 2023 4:54 pm
Decoration Day??? I haven’t heard that one in many many years. Thanks for the reminder.
EP Gregg - February 7, 2023 5:00 pm
I always wanted to take piano lessons!!❤️
Karla Meier - February 7, 2023 5:17 pm
AMEN!! This makes my heart sing!
Ernie in River City - February 7, 2023 5:27 pm
Mostly agree. Had to look up Blossom Dearie, though. (Can we keep Google?)
Nancy Colin - February 7, 2023 5:30 pm
You make my day! Amen to this column!
Dicki - February 7, 2023 5:36 pm
Amen Brother. I’m 90 and couldn’t have saiid it better myself. Thank you for recognizing what we had – which seems to be gone!
dominore1 - February 7, 2023 5:36 pm
Once again you’ve made my morning—you never disappoint! So thankful I found your page as this old lady in California looks forward daily to ‘Sean’s take on life’ …..
Virtual hugs to you, your beautiful wife and Marigold! 💝
Belinda - February 7, 2023 5:52 pm
Love THIS!!!!!
Karen - February 7, 2023 6:11 pm
I couldn’t agree more.
Nick - February 7, 2023 6:13 pm
How about bringing back required classes in civics and America history in high schools and book reports on patriots such as Washington, Lincoln, Grant, Chuck Yeager, Audie Murphy, Eisenhower, Truman?
Tracy - February 7, 2023 6:21 pm
Well said! I wish I could give all that to my grandsons
pattymack43 - February 7, 2023 6:27 pm
Oh, boy!!!! I so AGREE with you, Sean!!!
Linda - February 7, 2023 6:27 pm
AMEN!
muthahun - February 7, 2023 7:49 pm
Laughed right out loud at pieces of this! I once almost choked to death in the church narthex because of the mildew, and I still can’t tolerate Estee Lauder. That said, “What’s the matter with kids today?” has been asked by a lot more folks than the folks from BYE BYE, BIRDIE; same as our longing for “the good ol’ days”. As a female, I’m thankful that I can (and do) have my own credit cards, and can wear jeans instead of skirts (and girdles! Shudder!!). As an American, I’m thankful that our economy is leveling out, our jobless rate is the lowest since the ’60’s, and that we’re not in a hot war that’s killing our kids. I had a little stone a few years ago which blocked my pancreas. Hurt like the very devil. There’s a new procedure to remove such things. If there hadn’t been, I wouldn’t be writing comments! So are there wonderful things to remember in those good ol’ days of Wurlitzers? Absolutely. But today’s what we have. Share the love, call out the bullies, share if you can, support good causes, adopt dogs and cats, vote, and keep reading Sean. Boy’s got a good head on his shoulders. (But Sean, Fred Rogers and Mr. McFeely are two different guys! Delightful movie with Tom Hanks, btw…)
Linda Moon - February 7, 2023 8:05 pm
Monopoly is our family’s game of choice. And most of my folks would agree with your answers for salvation, Sean. You’re one of us, so welcome to our creative and active bunch, one of whom gave up a “smart” phone for a flip phone just like his granddaddy Pops has. So, I declare!
Ingrid B Whigham - February 7, 2023 8:54 pm
I love your commentary.
Becky Souders - February 7, 2023 10:07 pm
You are certainly right about the music. I keep saying Rap is not music, and when someone disagrees, I just ask “Okay. Hum the melody for me.” 🙂 Love your words, Sean Dietrich.
sandyivey - February 7, 2023 10:07 pm
Couldn’t agree more and I am proud to say that our Nashville Predators Hockey team proudly has an organist that plays in between puck play time. He is great.https://www.nashvillescene.com/music/features/catching-up-with-preds-and-sounds-organ-virtuoso-krazy-kyle-hankins/article_6ec11d1f-bfb4-5db8-ab97-4fbb799886fc.html
Judy Inman - February 7, 2023 10:43 pm
AGREE! Thank you!
MAM - February 7, 2023 11:44 pm
I agree with you and with most of the comments, too. I could write my own column, as I remember well the “good ol’ days.” I miss some things, like God and country, but I do like some of the things of the modern age, as were pointed out above. It’s always a matter of balance, but most of all, we need to remember that God is the one in charge, not us, and “Love one another.”
Leanne McAlpine - February 8, 2023 12:42 am
God bless you for your words. You never fail to touch and inspire me and I am a grateful reader/listener (of your audio books).
Barbara Parker - February 8, 2023 1:02 am
Sean, I am still having trouble getting your blog on mh email. It comes out on Facebook then four days later it comes to my email.also, I get it at night instead of in the morning. Do y’all know what’s going on? Help. I miss getting you every morning. Barbara Parker (from Shelby County Alabama)
susanmac123 - February 8, 2023 1:57 am
You are an old soul, Sean, and I love you for it.
lesliehanson411hotmailcom - February 8, 2023 2:33 am
AMEN!!!!
Stacey Wallace - February 8, 2023 2:40 am
You make great points, Sean. I’m 60, and have been taking piano lessons for over a year. See, it’s never too late. I hope you get that organ at your baseball games. Love to you, Jamie, Marigold, Otis Campbell, and Thelma Lou.
Michael M Mack - February 8, 2023 3:45 am
AMEN!
Slimpicker - February 8, 2023 3:47 am
Sean, there are many institutions that need an organ transplant. We also need pray and the pledge of allegiance back in school.
John Fraughton - February 8, 2023 4:27 am
I totally agree with you on this one. I only have one addition to make. Let’s put prayer back in schools. That was the only way I could pass a test.
Danny Prater - February 8, 2023 4:33 am
Amen and yesssssss
Sharon - February 8, 2023 5:01 am
loved it. Bring back the organs!
Melanie - February 8, 2023 11:46 am
https://www.si.edu/sidedoor/take-who-out-ball-game
Some of their podcasts are fun & informative
Ann - February 8, 2023 12:25 pm
Amen!….a start!
SheriK - February 8, 2023 5:08 pm
Hey, you left out “respect”. So many people are concerned about being disrespected by others. How about showing respect for others lives, property and ideas and working more with eachother than against them. Respect, love and belief in God would go a long way in improving our wonderful country. I wouldn’t live anywhere else!
Nancy - February 8, 2023 5:54 pm
My piano students only got ONE piece of candy selected under my watchful eye after the lesson IF THEY DID THEIR THEORY LESSON! I love all your suggestions and would happily love to hear an organ playing ‘TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME” at the seventh inning stretch! God bless America! We must make a stronger attempt to bring back some family times and potluck dinners!
Carmen Mauldin - February 8, 2023 6:10 pm
Absolutely right! I don’t know much about baseball but, that sounds good to me! We Pastor a church in Texarkana, ARK and we have church fellowships several times a year. With all the repercussions above mentioned and we are as good a church family as you may expect.
Thankful to him in all things,
Carmen Mauldin
Bonnie - February 8, 2023 8:25 pm
AMEN!
Mike Sellers - February 9, 2023 3:36 am
Amen !!!
Cynthia Kamstra - February 9, 2023 5:07 pm
Best ever! This was my life growing up and would still like it that way. But, in my house, I can still live this way and listen to what I like and watch. YouTube is great for that. So many happy memories. Well….except when I read your blog on my handheld phone. Best part of the day!
Linda - February 11, 2023 2:09 pm
Amen!
shirley c hill - February 11, 2023 10:28 pm
Oh my goodness, YES YES YES. As a baseball fan since a child watching the Atlanta Crackers with my Daddy at Poncey Park I’ve loved the sounds of the ball field starting with the wonderful organ music. When the Braves came to Atlanta I was one of the happiest people in the entire world and just couldn’t wait to see them live and in person with the sound of the wonderful organ music. Maybe I’m getting old and cranky but today’s music just leaves me empty with all its weak lyrics and even worse tunes. I have been a rock and roll fan, bluegrass, country, Southern gospel, Reggae, soul and many other types over the years but sadly today I feel sorry for my grandchildren as their choices are limited. I hate that they missed the best of the 70s, 80s and even the 90s but happily they do love to listen to Grammas old vinyls and classic CDs. I love reading your column and feel a connection almost all the time with the way you feel and express yourself. Keep it coming dear Sean.
Terry Baggett - February 13, 2023 12:15 am
Glory to God, I think your much smatter than you look!
George Martin - February 17, 2023 6:34 pm
You NAILED it Sean
Welton Renee - December 13, 2023 10:31 am
Amen!