USPS to dedicate baseball stamp in Durham

The Durham Bulls Baseball Club and Durham's downtown post office will dedicate a new commemorative first-class postal stamp this month in honor of America's favorite pastime.

Special guests at the dedication on Aug. 28 include acting Durham Postmaster Tom Pollard, Bulls mascot Wool E. Bull, Bulls Vice President George Habel and Clay Council, a 71-year old All-Star Home Run Derby batting practice pitcher.

Council recently pitched in the All-Star Home Run Derby, throwing to Josh Hamilton, a Texas Ranger outfielder and record-setting home run hitter in the competition. (Watch the video.)

The dedication will begin at 2 p.m. on the Orange Street Mall, just across from the downtown post office at 323 E. Chapel Hill St. in Durham. The stamp features a colorful depiction of a pitcher and baseball diamond and reads "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." The stamp is a commemoration of the song of the same name, written 100 years ago by Jack Norworth.

For collectors, special cancellation caches and related collectible items will be available all day.

The event is among several events being scheduled at minor league ballparks and other facilities throughout North Carolina commemorating the stamp, which is now available in post offices nationwide and online.