The United States Postal Service revealed on Monday that two of America’s most beloved sports figures will be honored with commemorative stamps in 2027. Baseball Hall of Famer Willie Mays and longtime Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt will each appear on a stamp that highlights their extraordinary careers and contributions to the nation’s athletic heritage.
Willie Mays stamp design
The Willie Mays stamp is styled to resemble a classic baseball card. It shows a portrait of Mays in his New York Giants uniform, with an inset image capturing his iconic over‑the‑shoulder catch of Vic Wertz’s fly ball in the opening game of the 1954 World Series. The orange background reflects the colors of the Giants franchises—both New York and San Francisco—as well as the New York Mets, teams with which Mays is closely associated.
Mays, who passed away in 2024 at age 93, was a 24‑time All‑Star, two‑time National League Most Valuable Player, and finished his career with a .301 batting average, 660 home runs and 1,909 RBIs spanning 1951‑1973. The stamp will be the 50th issue in the Postal Service’s Black Heritage series and was designed by Antonio Alcalá, an art director for the USPS.
Pat Summitt stamp design
Pat Summitt’s stamp features an oil‑on‑linen portrait created by artist Roberto Parada. The design was overseen by Ethel Kessler, another USPS art director. Summitt, who died in 2016 at age 64, built the University of Tennessee women’s basketball program into a powerhouse, winning eight NCAA championships and compiling a career record of 1,098‑208 from 1974‑2012.
Summitt is enshrined in both the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, underscoring her lasting influence on the sport. The stamp honors her dedication to excellence, mentorship, and the values of hard work and perseverance that resonate with families and faith‑based communities across the country.
Why the stamps matter
Commemorative stamps have long served as a way for the nation to recognize individuals who embody American ideals. By featuring Mays and Summitt, the Postal Service highlights two figures whose achievements transcend the playing field, offering role models of talent, determination, and character. Both athletes are celebrated not only for their records but also for the way they inspired generations of young people to pursue their dreams with integrity.
Collectors and fans alike will be able to purchase the stamps when they become available next year. The release is expected to generate interest among sports enthusiasts, historians, and anyone who values the cultural legacy of these iconic Americans.
What’s next
The USPS plans to roll out the stamps nationwide, with promotional materials highlighting the stories behind each honoree. Local post offices will likely display the designs and provide information on how to order them, giving communities a chance to celebrate the achievements of Mays and Summitt in their own neighborhoods.
As the nation looks forward to the 2027 stamp release, the tribute serves as a reminder that greatness in sport can also reflect broader values of perseverance, faith, and family—principles that continue to strengthen our neighborhoods and our country.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
