“The Cleveland Indians Flagpole Sitter 1949” Signed by the Sitter – Charley Lupica.
Lot 228. “The Cleveland Indians Flagpole Sitter 1949” Signed by the Sitter – Charley Lupica. This 1997 45-page softcover, extensively illustrated with photos, tells the story of Charley Lupica, an avid Cleveland Indians fan who spent 117 days on a flagpole platform in an effort to encourage his beloved Indians to repeat as American League and World Champions. The Indians were in seventh place when Lupica took up residence on the platform - 60 feet in the air above his Cleveland deli. Lupica’s son, Charles Lupica, Jr., wrote the book, which is a first edition, unused and nm-m to mint. Lupica Sr., the flagpole sitter, autographed the flyleaf; his signature is large and gem mint 10. His autograph is also on a business card that accompanies the book. Lupica died in 2003 at the age of 90. In the book, Lupica’s son wrote of his father: “Among Indians’ Fans, he has always been head, shoulders… and flagpole above them all.” Scarce, delightful book. Winning Bid $35.
