Have a ball Forever Stamps

Issued:June 14, 2017

First Day City: Hartford, WI

Type of Stamp: First Class Printed by: Ashton Potter Ltd. Method: Offset

Ball games: People worldwide have played ball games for millennia. One early example, llamaliztli, engaged Mayans and Aztecs, resembling modern social events. Ancient Mesoamericans: Living in rainforests, they crafted solid rubber balls from the Castilla elastica tree for llamaliztli. The game involved bumping a nine-pound ball with the hip to score through a 20-foot stone hoop, resulting in bruising. Popularity of llamaliztli: Archaeologists discovered ball courts from Nicaragua to Arizona, indicating widespread popularity. Though the original rules are lost, it left a lasting impact on Central American culture. Some communities still play a modified version today. Modern U.S. sporting events: Comparable to ancient Mayan and Aztec gatherings, modern events involve betting, parties, and shared celebrations. Sports unite people, transcending mere games to become integral parts of American culture. Have A Ball! Stamps: The USPS issued these textured Stamps on June 14, 2017. Mike Ryan designed the pane of 16 with eight distinct designs, featuring a special coating for a textured feel. Greg Breeding served as the art director for these aesthetically pleasing Stamps.