In a unique and exciting endeavor, the U.S. Postal Service has dedicated a series of stamps that not only visually represent, but also capture the tactile experience of balls used in eight popular sports. The Have a Ball! Forever stamps were unveiled nationwide, showcasing the distinctive balls used in baseball, basketball, football, golf, kickball, soccer, tennis, and volleyball.
These innovative stamps provide a multisensory experience, allowing individuals to not only see the iconic sports balls but also feel their textured surfaces. The stamps aim to celebrate the universal appeal of these sports and the joy they bring to athletes and fans alike.
By featuring balls from a diverse range of sports, the U.S. Postal Service recognizes the significant role these activities play in American culture and the collective enjoyment they bring. Whether it’s the familiarity of a baseball, the iconic design of a basketball, or the unique patterns of a soccer ball, these stamps embody the spirit and excitement associated with these beloved sports.
The introduction of the Have a Ball! Forever stamps add an interactive and engaging element to the world of postage, appealing to sports enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone who appreciates the thrill of these athletic pursuits.
A special coating applied to selected areas of the stamps during the printing process gives them a texture that mimics the feel of:
a baseball’s stitching;
a golf ball’s dimples;
a tennis ball’s seams;
a soccer ball or volleyball’s textured panels; and,
the different raised patterns of football, basketball, and kickball.
“Every day across the United States, people of all ages gather on fields, diamonds, courts, and golf courses to engage in a friendly and fun competition,” said U.S. Postal Service Senior Vice President, Sales, and Customer Relations Cliff Rucker. “We are honored to celebrate our nation’s passion for athletics with the Have a Ball! Forever stamps. I hope that whenever you affix these colorful new stamps to letters, they remind you of the connection between sports and culture.”
Joining Rucker in the dedication was U.S. Golf Association President Diana Murphy.
“We can’t think of a more fitting place to celebrate golf as one of America’s favorite recreational sports than the U.S. Open Championship,” said Murphy. “This innovative stamp collection provides a lasting symbol of how sports — like golf — can connect people and communities, create fun opportunities to promote an active lifestyle, and bring out the fan in all of us. We are thrilled to reveal it to our fans today, in our country’s heartland.”
These round Forever stamps are available in panes of 16 that include two stamps of each design. Stamp artist Daniel Nyari of Long Island City, NY, and stamp designer Mike Ryan of Charlottesville, VA, worked with Art Director Greg Breeding of Charlottesville, VA, to create the stamp images.
The Have a Ball! Stamps are being issued as Forever stamps which are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail service 1-ounce price.
