Society Steps Up Campaign for Connie Mack Stamp

Since 1999, the A’s Society has been lobbying the US Postal Service to issue a commemorative stamp honoring the Athletics legendary manager and baseball icon Connie Mack. Mike Fesnak, a seasoned stamp collector, has been pushing this campaign, and WE NEED YOUR HELP to achieve this most worthy goal!

A case that Mack deserves his own US Postal stamp can be supported by references to his monumental achievements during his 50-year tenure at the helm of the Philadelphia A’s. His role in baseball should serve as the foundation for any argument that seeks to justify the issuance of a Mack stamp. But, the “Tall Tactician’s” contribution to American Society through his role in baseball is also important to note. In 1950, a celebration was held for the Golden Jubilee of Mack and the Philadelphia A’s. President Harry Truman wrote a letter to the A’s manager, dated April 11, 1950, in which he wrote, “In you, American sport has had an exemplar whose record has been an inspiration to our youth for a full half century.” When “Connie Mack Day” was held at Shibe Park on May 17, 1941, Pennsylvania Governor James read from the proclamation issued to commemorate the date, “The name of Connie Mack has long since become a vital part of America and the American way of life. This tribute which we now pay by the designation of Connie Mack Day is but another honor to be paid this great American who already knows the highest distinction which can be given to a man—a place in the hearts of his fellow man.”

Why is what Mack represented to America, especially its youth, greater than statistics of games won and titles gained? Historian William Kashatus explained why when he wrote, “He emphasized team commitment rather than individual stardom, preserved the integrity of the game by extolling the virtues of clean living and total abstinence, and became a symbol of the enduring values of the national pastime. Such genuine dedication and love for the game served to endear him to the city’s (Philadelphia’s) youngsters.”

While it’s natural to think of Mack as belonging in a “Sports Legends” stamp series, the words of President Truman, Governor James, and Author Kashatus show that inclusion of a Mack stamp in a “Great Americans” series is equally warranted. Whichever venue is chosen, obtaining approval from the US Postal Service for a Connie Mack stamp would be a significant accomplishment for the A’s Society and another step in ensuring the lasting legacy of a paragon of baseball managers and an American citizen of great stature.

This newsletter contains a pre-printed letter to the Citizens Stamp Advisory Commission advocating that it approve a Connie Mack stamp. Please sign your name and mail it to the Commission. To be considered, a nomination for an individual to appear on a US postal stamp must be supported by at least 50,000 signatures. That’s a large number, but the goal can be reached if everyone pitches in to help. If possible, make copies of the letter and give them to friends and relatives to also sign and send to the Commission.

During a 1944 event at Shibe Park paying tribute to Connie Mack’s 50 years as a Major League manager, President Franklin Roosevelt sent a letter which read, in part, “Long may your scorecard wave.” It’s up to us to make President Roosevelt’s wish come true.

Click here to print out letter of support for Connie Mack Commemorative Stamp.

Connie Mack Links:

• Connie Mack Day Remembered
• 300,000 Hail Connie Mack: He Gets His City's Merit Award
• A 1944 Tribute to Connie Mack
• Connie Mack’s First Book
• Connie Mack’s Days as a Player With The Washington Nationals
• Testimonial Dinner in Honor of Connie Mack
• A's Society Advisory Board Restarts the Connie Mack Commemorative Stamp Request
• In Honor of Cornelius McGillicuddy and More