This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/31/2005.
Measuring 36" long x 15 ½" deep x 24 ½" high, this is Eddie Layton's wooden keyboard bench, that he sat on while playing the Yankee Stadium Hammond organ for almost 37 years. Hired in 1967 to play music for the crowd, Layton was the first Yankees organist as there was no organ at Yankee Stadium prior to his arrival. His innovative technique set the standard for ballpark music everywhere. During his tenure he also played for the Rangers and Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Sitting on this bench, you can almost hear the roar of the crowd and the hum of the organ. The padded leather seat is hinged and opens to reveal a sheet music storage compartment, which currently houses a music book entitled "Hammond Touch Organ Course," a spare plug, a Hammond Quality Inspection card, a Yankees napkin, a warranty certificate, a copy of a 1981 newspaper article on Layton and several promotional cards for a Layton album with a picture of Eddie in front of the Yankee Stadium scoreboard. The bench is in fantastic condition, with some wear from years of being sat on.