U.S. stamps have hailed sporting events and their heroes with illustrations of exciting action and achievements for many years :quot; thus making them ever popular with collectors of all ages.

A special release in 2000 deserves particular mention. The U.S. Postal Service issued a pane of 20 stamps (33-cent denomination) honoring “Legends of Baseball.” It portrayed players of the past who starred in the major leagues or the old Negro leagues.

The 20 featured players: Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Lou Gehrig, Cy Young, George Sisler, Jackie Robinson, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, Eddie Collins, Roberto Clemente, Mickey Cochran, Rogers Hornsby, Pie Traynor, Jimmie Foxx, Tris Speaker, Lefty Grove, Dizzy Dean, Josh Gibson, Honus Wagner and Satchel Paige.

These players are deserving of their recognition. But many fans and sports writers will say that there are some Hall of Fame performers with outstanding credentials who have been omitted. Included are Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Willie Mays and Hank Aaron, plus, perhaps, Mickey Mantle and Nolan Ryan.

USPS officials say there will be future diamond heroes coming around the bases in upcoming stamp designs.

You can obtain the “Legends of Baseball” pane by calling (800)-STAMP-24.