Lot # 1498: 1950s Baltimore Colts Superfan "Willie the Rooter" Original Hand-Painted Game Day Sign

As the lead patient in "the world's largest outdoor insane asylum," Willie Andrews (1919-1957) made quite an impact as the ultimate 1950s Baltimore Colts superfan. Best known for his creative signs, "Wille the Rooter" used his creations to whip the Memorial Stadium crowd into a frenzy. Offered is an original hand-painted game day sign that was crafted between the 1954 and 1957 seasons and displayed by Andrews at a game. Entitled "Clip The Rams," this 28x22 heavy cardboard based artifact was tantamount to 1950s "trash talk" complete with a couple of "Hey Weeb" declarations and a Colt securing a Ram above a pile of manure. Despite scattered migration to the blue paint and limited surface crazing along with contusions/pin holes, this one-of-a-kind piece that is secured by exterior tape has survived the decades in outstanding condition.

About the artist: William Henry "Willie the Rooter" Andrews was the original Baltimore Colts super fan, known for leading cheers and carrying homemade signs around Memorial Stadium in the 1950s. An automobile painter by trade, he was famous for creating signs when he was supposed to be working. His legacy regarding "signs" includes: Homemade Game Signs: Willie was a fixture at the stadium, circling the ballpark to lead 60,000 people in cheers while carrying signs he crafted himself. Paper-Mache Horse Head: In addition to signs, Willie was often seen wearing a blue and white paper-mache horse's head to rally the crowd. Willie's impact was so significant that when he died suddenly in December 1957 (aged 38 years), legends like Johnny Unitas served as his pallbearers, and the ballclub provided his family with lifetime season tickets.

The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot.