For the last 30 years, fans have been showing that their team, group or organization is #1 with a big foam hand, designed by former high school teacher Geral Fauss.  Today, it is one of the most popular forms of sports advertising and marketing and a global success that has spawned many immatations.

I saw the students in the stands holding up an index finger, and shouting ‘we’re number 1′ at the playoff games. fauss recollects.

students rallied around the team and kept a fevered pitch during the playoffs. I knew that they wanted something ‘big’ to show their spirit…..so I thought , why not a large hand sign.

Official site: Spirit Industires Photo and quote from Design Boom, read the entire interview and nearly a dozen more photos there.

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