“THE EARLY YEARS” 

You ask, how did the “Fan Man” begin”?  It all started at Memorial Stadium when one of the regular tailgaters, Bob Walls, commented that he was only offered $200 for his Astro van on a trade-in for a new truck.  “Fan Man” replied, “let’s hold on to it until we move to the new stadium and see what can be done.

Well, the next season “Fan Man” took that van and spray painted it purple using an outdoor Duron enamel house paint recommended by Matt Noorwood (aka “The Wild One”), another regular tailgater. 

The van was labeled “The 12 Man…Fans”, dedicated to “Willie the Rooter”, and included fan signatures, Raven player signatures, team owners, radio and TV dignitaries, as well as Johnny Unitas and 18 of his closest Colt teammates. 

During that first year at Ravens Stadium, and with the van dedicated to “Willie the Rooter”, “Fan Man” felt the urge to dress as an ultimate fan should.  And so a Raven hat, shaped and painted like the Raven logo at that time, made from Styrofoam and fiberglass, was created.  It was a bit heavy, but reflected the Raven image.  In addition, a pair of cloth wings were hand sewn from felt and attached to an old vest.  Thus, the original “Fan Man” outfit was created. 

With this van and outfit, “Fan Man” entered the VISA 2000 search for the Ultimate Raven fan, and was selected. 

The photos displayed here show that era in the development of “Fan Man of the Fan Van”.

Fearsome front view of the Fan Man Bus.

Matt "Fan Man" Andrew's newest creation, The Fan Man Bus!