The U.S. Postal Service announced Monday that baseball icon Willie Mays and Tennessee women’s basketball legend Pat Summitt will be honored with commemative stamps next year. This announcement cements their status as two of the most influential figures in American sports history, joining a prestigious roster of athletes recognized by the federal agency. The release serves as a tangible tribute to their enduring legacies, ensuring their contributions remain visible in everyday mail across the nation.
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Mays’ stamp is designed to mimic a vintage baseball card, featuring a portrait of the 24-time All-Star in his New York Giants uniform. The design includes an inset image of his famous over-the-shoulder catch of Vic Wertz’s drive in the 1954 World Series opener. With a career record of .301 batting average, 660 home runs, and 1,909 RBIs from 1951 to 1973, Mays’ impact on the game is matched by the stamp’s orange background, a nod to the colors of the Giants and Mets. As the 50th entry in the USPS Black Heritage series, the stamp, designed by art director Antonio Alcalá, highlights his two-time MVP status and 93-year life of excellence.
Pat Summitt’s stamp features an oil-on-primed-linen portrait created by artist Roberto Parada and designed by USPS art director Ethel Kessler. Summitt, who passed away in 2016 at age 64, led the Tennessee Lady Vols to eight NCAA championships and compiled a historic career record of 1,098-208 between 1974 and 2012. Her induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame stands alongside this new honor, recognizing her as a pioneer who transformed women’s college basketball. The dual announcement underscores the USPS’s commitment to celebrating diverse athletic excellence, from the diamond to the hardwood.
Source: Yahoo Sports
