61 In '61 Roger Maris Stamp

As America approached the end of the 20th century, the USPS sought a way to honor the wide variety of events that had taken place. From 1998 to 2000, the US Post Office issued the Celebrate The Century series of postage stamps. Honoring each decade with collectible 15-stamp panes from the 1900s through the 1990s. Seven baseball themed stamps were represented out of the 150.

On September 17, 1999, the United States Postal Service issued the Celebrate The Century: 1960s commemorative stamp souvenir sheet in Green Bay, WI. The baseball themed postage stamps appears in this decade celebrating Roger Maris hitting 61 home runs in 1961. Designed by Keith Birdsong, the "Roger Maris 61 In '61" 33¢ postage stamp depicts Roger Maris connecting for his 61st home run.

The backprint on the stamp reads: "In 1961, Roger Maris of the New York Yankees hit 61 home runs, setting a new Major League Baseball record, breaking the previous mark of 60 set in 1927. Celebrate The Century - 1960s"

The First day cover pictured above features the artwork of Fred Collins. The Roger Maris 61 in '61 FDC depicts two illustrations of Roger Maris swinging for the fence. Making First Day Covers his life's work, Collins hand painted FDCs have been produced since 1978. An involved member of the philatelic community, his reputation for superb quality has continued to grow.

The Fleetwood silk First day cover pictured below depicts colorful multi-illustrations of Roger Maris swinging for the fence, superimposed over Maris in his batting stance. The Roger Maris 61 in '61 stamp is postmarked with the Green Bay, WI, First Day Of Issue, Celebrate The Century: 1960s cancelation.

The back of the Fleetwood FDC features a brief history of the 1961 record breaking home run season. The back also features a "Fleetwood 1929-1999 First Name In First Day Covers" identifier. Fleetwood, in the business since 1929, is the leading First Day Cover producer, making covers continuously since 1941. Fleetwood is the only FDC company that makes a cover for every U.S. postage stamp issued.

1999 Celebrate the Century - 1960s: Roger Maris
33¢ USPS Postage Stamp


Roger Maris Stamp Front	Roger Maris Stamp Backprint


Roger Maris 61 n '61 Fleetwood FDC Front	Roger Maris 61 n '61 Fleetwood FDC Back

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