In front of a cheering crowd of 33,977 attending the Indians’ final home game, Charley Lupica, after spending 113 days in the air waiting for the Tribe to take first place or be eliminated from the pennant race, climbs down from his flagpole perch, which was recently shifted five miles from his confectionery store to the ballpark on a hydraulic lift. After the wobbly loyal fan kisses the Municipal Stadium’s home plate, he receives a new automobile from team owner Bill Veeck, in addition to receiving a 50-foot flagpole as a souvenir.

On September 25, 1949 — In front of a cheering crowd of 33,977 attending the Indians’ final home game, Charley Lupica, after spending 113 days in the air waiting for the Tribe to take first place or be eliminated from the pennant race, climbs down from his flagpole perch, which was recently shifted five miles from his confectionery store to the ballpark on a hydraulic lift. After the wobbly loyal fan kisses the Municipal Stadium’s home plate, he receives a new automobile from team owner Bill Veeck, in addition to receiving a 50-foot flagpole as a souvenir.

Sources:
National Pastime

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