Lot of 26 Stamps All Canceled (used) Issued in 1983, on the 50th anniversary of the first All-Star Game Honors George “Babe Ruth” Herman, who hit the first All-Star home run Stamp Category: Commemorative Value: 20¢, first-class rate First Day of Issue: July 6, 1983 Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing Printing Method: Engraved Format: Panes of 50 in sheets of 200 Perforations: 10½ x 11 Color: Blue This stamp was issued to honor one of baseball’s greatest player’s Babe Ruth. Illinois senator and former professional baseball player Scott Lucas had proposed a Babe Ruth stamp in 1948, arguing, “Since it is our custom to make official acknowledgement of our national heroes, I feel such an action should be taken for this man who has become one of America’s immortals.” That proposal was rejected and it would be several decades before the Babe got his stamp. Retired art director of Sports Illustrated Richard Gangel designed this stamp, using a well-known photo of Ruth with baseball bat in hand. He modified the image somewhat, moving the bat back so it didn’t obscure his face as much. Gangel also widened Ruth’s stance, and added players and some definition of the stadium to the background. The stamp design was initially unveiled on Ruth’s birthday, February 6, at the Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland. There had been calls for the stamp to be issued in Baltimore, with promises of parades and festivities if that happened, but the USPS intended to issue the stamp in Chicago in connection with the All-Star Game, which was celebrating its 50th anniversary that year. However, the USPS later realized that a ceremony would be lost in the excitement of the All-Star Game. So, they held a special Day ceremony the day before, July 5, during events connected to the Old Timers’ Game. No stamps were available during this ceremony. Then, on July 6, postal booths were set up throughout the stadium. Within each, a single employee stood affixing stamps and canceling First Day Covers. They sold a total of $12,194 in stamps at the stadium that day. But no First Day ceremony was held on that day. Unusual fact about this stamp: A paper crease variety is known in which the paper folded over during printing, leaving a white diagonal line across the design. History the stamp represents: George Herman “Babe” Ruth was born on February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland.
Yleinen