February 16, 2025

On October 14, 1969, during Game 3 of the World Series between the New York Mets and the Baltimore Orioles, a moment occurred that would become etched in Mets history. This moment was not just marked by the on-field exploits of the Mets players, such as Ed Kranepool’s home run, but also by the iconic presence of a fan, Karl Ehrhardt, who became an enduring symbol of Mets fandom. Ehrhardt, known as the “Sign Man,” was captured in the stands holding up his now-famous “Met Power” sign after Kranepool’s eighth-inning home run. The moment would go down in history not just for its representation of Mets passion but for capturing the essence of a historic Mets World Series win.

The 1969 World Series was a defining moment for the New York Mets, who were considered underdogs at the time. Having been a National League expansion team since 1962, the Mets were not expected to win the series against the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles, who had been dominant throughout the 1969 season. Yet, the Mets’ remarkable performance that year, led by manager Gil Hodges, took them to the World Series for the first time in franchise history.

The Mets came into Game 3 tied in the series with the Orioles, having split the first two games in Baltimore. The third game, played at Shea Stadium in Queens, New York, would be crucial in determining the momentum of the series. In front of a frenzied home crowd, the Mets delivered a decisive 5-0 shutout win, pushing them ahead in the series and setting the stage for their eventual triumph.

The victory was highlighted by key performances, including Kranepool’s two-run home run in the eighth inning. Kranepool, who had been with the Mets since their early days, was a veteran player whose contributions in the postseason helped cement his place in Mets lore. His homer, which came off Orioles pitcher Eddie Watt, was a symbol of the Mets’ resilience and the sense of destiny that surrounded their improbable run.

But beyond the heroics on the field, the moment was made all the more memorable by the passionate presence of Karl Ehrhardt, the fan whose “Met Power” sign would become one of the most enduring symbols of that World Series. Ehrhardt, who had been attending Mets games since their early years, was a fixture at Shea Stadium. His large, colorful sign, emblazoned with the words “Met Power,” was a visible representation of his unwavering support for the team. His display was not just a personal expression of enthusiasm but an embodiment of the spirit of the Mets’ fans, who believed in their team despite the odds.

Ehrhardt’s sign became so famous that it was often associated with the Mets’ success in the 1969 World Series. His timing could not have been better in Game 3. As Kranepool’s ball sailed into the stands, Ehrhardt’s sign was lifted high, capturing the joy and excitement of the moment. It was a snapshot of a fan’s devotion and an emblem of the city’s love for a team that had defied expectations. The image of Ehrhardt with his “Met Power” sign became one of the most iconic photographs of that World Series, encapsulating the energy of the moment and the significance of the Mets’ rise to prominence.

The Mets’ victory in Game 3 would be a crucial step toward their ultimate triumph in the 1969 World Series, where they would go on to defeat the Orioles in five games, securing their first-ever championship. For Mets fans, the victory represented not only the fulfillment of a long-awaited dream but also the power of belief. In a sense, Ehrhardt’s “Met Power” sign was more than just a piece of cardboard. It became a rallying cry for all those who had stood by the Mets through thick and thin, those who had witnessed the team’s early struggles and had remained hopeful for a brighter future.

The 1969 World Series victory marked the beginning of a new era for the New York Mets, one defined by success and pride. Karl Ehrhardt, the Sign Man, would forever be remembered as a symbol of the unwavering loyalty of Mets fans. His “Met Power” sign became an indelible part of the Mets’ history, a reminder of the power of fandom and the joy that comes from believing in your team, no matter the odds.

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