(image copyright, courtesy of USPS)

Collectors are getting heard.

The U.S. Postal Service chose to issue limited numbers of sheets of ONE each of the four new commemorative stamps of Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, Larry Doby and Willie Stargell.

The only problem? Only post offices in Cooperstown and the team cities got the special sheets.

Therefore, only some Yankee fans can delight in having no one but The Yankee Clipper on their envelopes. Why not let ALL collectors have the one stamp they want most?

I’m bored with Liberty Bell FOREVER stamps. I feel baseball stamps get your envelope noticed when you’re writing for an autograph. Most of all, using the commemoratives tells the USPS to keep autograph collectors in mind for future issues. Agree?

Coming Friday: Talking autographed baseball books with expert Bobby Plapinger!

Can you imagine collecting autographs without them? (Photo courtesy USPS)

 This holiday season is the time of miracles.

I’ve been part of a miracle for the last 40 years.

I can’t think of a better description for the United States Postal Service.

For just two stamps, 88 cents, I get access to any former major leaguer. All I need is an address. Often, this magic happens in days. This bargain still amazes me.

Imagine saying to some stranger in the shopping mall: “Here’s a buck. Take this note to that guy way down there, then bring me back a response.”

Yeah, not likely. Well, that’s the feat the USPS performs — every day!

I’m not saying the USPS is perfect. All I know is that they have a much better batting average than I’ve ever enjoyed. The thought of nearly 16 BILLION packages being handled and delivered between Thanksgiving and Christmas is astounding.

Thank your mail carrier. Learn their name. For all the joy they bring, I don’t think they get a lot of appreciation.

I’m grateful to Angela (our route’s postal carrier) and all other USPS staff who’ve helped me connect with major leaguers since 1972. I couldn’t have done it without you.