1939 Baseball Centennial Stamp

The first baseball postage stamp was issued by the U.S. Post Office on June 12, 1939. This 3 Cents, Centennial Of Baseball, United States Postage stamp commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the beginning of baseball. The 1839-1939, Centennial of Baseball Celebration ignited national interest, to millions across the United States and beyond. People found common ground and a shared enthusiasm for the birthday of our national pastime, Baseball.

Soon after postmaster General James A. Farley announced that the Post office was planning to issue a commemorative stamp in honor of baseballs centennial, suggestions started to flood in. The most popular being Christy Mathewson. The portraits of both Abner Doubleday and Alexander Cartwright, who were given credit at the time for having introduced baseball into this country, was also suggested. Many thought John J. McGraw, who managed the New York Giants for many years should be honored. Others suggested a photograph of the National baseball Museum and Doubleday field, both located at Cooperstown, N.Y., should form the principal feature of the stamp.

The chosen design for the stamp depicts a sandlot baseball game between two boy's teams, with a pitcher watching first base and about to deliver the ball. To Within a wreath, enclosed crossed bats, a glove and a ball. In the background a church and a schoolhouse with the American flag flying from the playground flagpole.

Bureau of Engraving artist William Roach designed the stamp, and later explained the site in his artwork is in Milford, Delaware. A total of 81,269,600 stamps were issued. More than 657,000 and covers were postmarked by the post office in Cooperstown, on June 12, 1939.

The National Centennial Commission granted the Leatherstocking Stamp Club exclusive use of the Centennial Emblem Design in the spring of 1939 for their First Day of Issue envelope and stationery in recognition for their hard work to Lobby on behalf of the Baseball Stamp. The Cooperstown Post Office cancelled stamps on 398,199 "First Day of Issue Covers" on June 12, 1939.

Centennial Of Baseball United States Postage Stamp

1939 Centennial Of Baseball United States FDC - First Day Cover

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