U.S. Postal Service stamp to feature Willie Stargell

Pirates Hall of Famer Willie "Pops" Stargell was honored in a special pregame ceremony Saturday before the Pirates hosted the Marlins, a dedication of a commemorative stamp that shows his image in his famous batting stance and the “We are Family” jersey.

Standing at home plate was Stargell’s widow, Margaret Stargell, Postmaster General and chief executive officer Patrick R. Donahoe, Western PA acting district manager Robert Cintron, Pittsburgh postmaster Joe Meimann and Pirates president Frank Coonelly.

“Pops” joins fellow Hall of Famers Joe DiMaggio of the Yankees, Larry Doby of the Indians and Ted Williams of the Red Sox on a sheet of 45-cent First-Class stamps. Single sheets for each athlete will also be available.Stargell made his Major League debut for the Pirates in Sept. 1962 and remained with the team until his final season 20 years later. His career-high 48 home runs and 125 RBIs were huge in helping the Pirates to the ’71 World Series title.

To honor Stargell’s career and lifelong friendship with “Bucco Nation,” the Pirates built a 12-foot stall statue that welcomes fans at the left-field gate at PNC Park.