The New York Mets have seen their share of passionate fans over the years, but few have left as indelible a mark as the late Karl Ehrhardt, fondly known as the "Sign Man." His unique blend of creativity, dedication, and unwavering support for the Mets made him an iconic figure at Shea Stadium and beyond.
Early Days at Shea Stadium
Karl's love for the Mets blossomed in 1964 with the opening of Shea Stadium. Bonnie, Karl's daughter, recalls the beginnings of his Mets fandom: "My father was a commercial artist, and he and someone he worked with got tickets. They were in the grandstand. They decided to bring a sign along that said 'Welcome to Grant's Tomb.' Security made them tear it down because it was too negative."
Undeterred, Karl and his colleague took their grievance to the press box, sparking media interest. Bonnie recounts, "There was a write-up in the Newsday about the fact that this sign had been torn down. That was the beginning of it."
Crafting the Signs by Hand
Karl's signs weren't just words on cardboard; they were handcrafted works of art. Bonnie fondly remembers the creative process: "He made those signs freehand in my bedroom on the floor. He cut out all those letters for the signs freehand. If you came up with an idea for a sign, you had to have two situations that it could be used in."
Karl's dedication to his craft was evident in every sign he created. Bonnie adds, "He bought a thesaurus so he could find words. When something was going on in the world that struck him as a good sign idea, he would create it."
The Famous Ed Kranepool Incident at Gracie Mansion
One of the most memorable stories Bonnie shared was about the 1969 World Series celebration at Gracie Mansion. "When they won the '69 World Series, he was invited to Gracie Mansion with the Mets. My father used to have a sign that said 'Super Stiff for Ed Kranepool' because he felt he was kind of stiff."
At Gracie Mansion, Ed Kranepool approached Karl about the sign. "Ed Kranepool came over to my father and said, 'If we weren't at a social engagement, I would punch you right in the nose,'" Bonnie laughs, recalling the encounter.
1969 Game 5 Appearance
The 1969 World Series was a defining moment for both the Mets and Karl. Bonnie shares the heartwarming story of how Karl ended up at Game 5: "His boss had given him tickets to Game 5, but my father wasn't supposed to attend because , the typographer had given those tickets to my father's boss, and his boss came into his office that day and said to him, there's a good chance they're going to win today, I'm giving you the tickets because you should be there."
Karl's unexpected presence at Game 5 became a memorable part of Mets history. Bonnie recalls, "So there I was, sitting way up in the boonies, and I look down and see my father holding up a sign. I was telling people around me, 'That's my father!' After the game, everyone was celebrating, and I was trying to get down to him. It was a truly special moment."
Legacy and Recognition
Karl's signs became synonymous with Mets games, reflecting the team's performance and fan sentiments. His dedication did not go unnoticed. In 1969, he was selected as one of the Mets' 25 Greatest Fans in a contest by Rheingold Breweries, receiving an impressive 13,000 letters of support.
Despite his fame, Karl remained humble. "He was on 'To Tell the Truth,' and that was kind of fun," Bonnie remembers. "But he messed that up. He sent the other contestants a biography of himself so they could sound like him. Someone asked about another sign man who wore a slicker. My father gave his real name, and that gave it away."
In addition to his memorable appearance on "To Tell the Truth," Karl's passion for the Mets caught the attention of CBS News. He was featured on CBS Evening News with Heywood Hale Broun, a moment that Bonnie remembers fondly. "I remember him being at the house because they were filming. They had all kinds of lights, and they blew out one of our lamps because they used a bulb that was too strong."
Being featured on CBS News was a testament to Karl's dedication and the impact of his handcrafted signs on the Mets community. This was just one of many instances where Karl's passion for the Mets transcended the confines of Shea Stadium, making him a recognizable figure beyond the ballpark.
The Legacy Lives On
For Bonnie, her father's legacy is a source of pride and fond memories. She cherishes the signs he left behind, even though many were destroyed over the years. "I probably have 15 or 20 of them," she says.
When asked about the possibility of displaying Karl's signs in the Mets Hall of Fame at Citi Field, Bonnie is open to the idea. "I'd be very willing to share. Maybe not all of them, but at least one would be great to be there."
Reflecting on her father's impact, Bonnie shares, "I have such fond memories of all that time. It's kind of fun when I meet somebody new and I tell them that. It's always surprising when someone wants to put something about my father in a book or an article. It brings back happy memories."
As we remember Karl Ehrhardt, the "Sign Man," it's clear that his impact on Mets fandom and the community at large will never be forgotten. Through his handcrafted signs, stories, and the memories shared by his daughter Bonnie, Karl's legacy lives on, reminding us of the passion and creativity that make sports fandom truly special.