Register   ·   Log in

Negro Leagues Honored in New USPS Stamps

Written by: Jerry Milani on 31st December 2009
Bookmark and Share
NLstamp
Negro Leagues Honored in New USPS Stamps  | read this item

The U.S. Postal Service has unveiled its new stamp lineup for 2010, and among the subjects is a pair of Negro Leagues stamps.

From the USPS press release:

The Negro Leagues Baseball stamps, to be issued in June, pay tribute to the all-black professional baseball leagues that operated from 1920 to about 1960. Drawing some of the most remarkable athletes ever to play the sport, including Satchel Page [sic] and Josh Gibson, the Negro leagues galvanized African-American communities across the country, challenged racist notions of athletic superiority, and ultimately sparked the integration of American sports.

The Negro Leagues Baseball stamps pay tribute to the all-black professional baseball leagues that operated from 1920 to about 1960. The two 44-cent stamps comprise one scene painted by Kadir Nelson.

In 1920, Andrew “Rube” Foster (1879–1930)—who began his baseball career as a pitcher—established the Negro National League, the first successful league of African-American teams. Nicknamed “Rube” after defeating major-league pitcher George Edward “Rube” Waddell in 1902, Foster is considered the “father” of Negro leagues baseball. He is featured on the stamp.

Three Negro Leaguers, Josh Gibson, Satchel Paige and Jackie Robinson, were among those honored with individual stamps in a 20-player commemorative baseball series in 2000.

Topics: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


  1. [...] the event hall showing off its black-themed stamps. This summer, the Post Office will issue a Negro League stamp created by black artist Kadir [...]

  2. Gordy Selbach says:

    Howdy,How can I order Negro Heritage baseball stamps? Thanks,Gordy

  3. Jerry Milani says:

    According to the USPS, they will be issued on July 15 and will be available at post offices and usps.com.

  4. Melissa McLaughlin says:

    I am contacting organizations and individuals who may be interested, to let them know that my husband, Tom McLaughlin, is one of 20 artists who were commissioned to paint a Phillie Phanatic (Phillies mascot) statue for the city of Philadelphia. My husband’s statue, entitled “Tribute”, wears a jersey of Negro League baseball team logos and is located in front of the African American Museum in Philadelphia, PA.

    All statues will be auctioned off beginning August 27, 2010, with proceeds going to Phillies charities. Bids start at $1,000.00. Details can be found on the Philadelphia Phillies website under the “fans” menu. The program is called “Phanatic Around Town”. Here is the link http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/phi/fan_forum/y2010/phanatic_around_town.jsp

    As I do not have the resources to personally purchase and donate the statue, I am hoping to find an organization with the necessary funds to purchase and provide a deserving home for this statue that honors African American athletes and one that will value accessibility by the public so that all may visit (not just an elite few) and pay tribute to these deserving baseball players in years to come.

    Please kindly forward this message to anyone who may be able to help. Thank you. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

    Sincerely,
    Melissa McLaughlin




Latest Headlines

In The News

Inside the Hobby – Online Trading thumbnail

Inside the Hobby – Online Trading

Matthew discusses some tips of online trading this week.
BD Fantasy:  The Buck Stops Here thumbnail

BD Fantasy: The Buck Stops Here

Throughout the history of baseball, there have been players who were late bloomers and put their potential on display after a change of scenery. Toronto Blue Jays catcher John Buck is one of those players. Buck has emerged as one of the elite fantasy catchers in 2010.
Retro Box Breaks – 2005 Topps Total thumbnail

Retro Box Breaks – 2005 Topps Total

This week Matthew unpacks a box of 2005 Topps Total.
BD Fantasy: Highlighting September Call-Ups thumbnail

BD Fantasy: Highlighting September Call-Ups

As Aroldis Chapman dominated the headlines
Baseball Digest Classic Discussion: Higher Standards – Part IV thumbnail

Baseball Digest Classic Discussion: Higher Standards – Part IV

Drew Sarver rounds out our series of discussions on players as role models and their freedom of speech by bringing a voice of experience and reason.