2017 Have a Ball! Stamps - Sheet of 20 - Forever - MNH

The U.S. Postal Service will soon release first-of-a-kind stamps with the look — and feel — of actual balls used in eight popular sports. Available nationwide June 14, the Have a Ball! Forever stamps depict balls used in baseball, basketball, football, golf, kickball, soccer, tennis and volleyball.

A special coating applied to selected areas of the stamps during the printing process gives them a texture that mimics the feel of a:

baseball’s stitching;

golf ball’s dimples;

tennis ball’s seams;

soccer ball or volleyball’s textured panels; and,

the different raised patterns of a football, basketball and kickball.

The Forever stamps will be issued in panes of 16 that include two stamps of each design. While most traditional stamps are square or rectangular in design, these stamps will be round. Beginning May 14, customers may pre-order the stamps at usps.com/shop for delivery after the June 14 nationwide release.

Stamp artist Daniel Nyari of Long Island City, NY, and stamp designer Mike Ryan of Charlottesville, VA, worked with Art Director Greg Breeding of Charlottesville, VA to create the stamp images.