Future Uncut Press Sheets

There was a letter in this week's Linns, where the writer claims he called Philatelic Fulfillment and they told him future press sheets would have die cuts. Hopefully, this is accurate.

They say that now. But wait until next year and see what really happens.

Just because the USPS has no intention to print uncut press sheets for upcoming issues now doesn't mean they won't change their minds as time goes on, especially when they do another sports-themed issue that seems to appeal to a larger audience than just stamp collectors. The USPS goal is to raise revenue and any of these press sheets are more than likely to be held by collectors rather than used for postage, which is, of course, clear profit for the USPS.

It seems like Farley Follies all over again!

For several reasons, I still don't understand the USPS suggestion that these press sheets will appeal to sports fans. The current players shown on the MLB All-Stars imperf press sheets are all oldtimers. Most current fans can't even remember seeing Williams, Dimaggio, or Doby as active players. Stargell is even fading in the memories of most. It would appear that most of the fans who would be at all interested would be limited to "baby boomers" like me - I saw two of the four in the twilight of their careers. The poorer sales of the press sheets with just one of the ballplayers on them relative to the sheet with all four seems to support this. But foremost, I have a hard time imagining many fans who would frame one of these $54 press sheets to use for decorating walls or even sports bars. If I wanted to reminisce about any of them, I'd much prefer to have a full size wall poster or stand-up cutout of my sport legend. I'm certain they are available if there is a demand since Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and even Rick Barry cutouts can be purchased for a much lower price of $31.88. Now youse guys out there, let's all be perfectly honest with one another. If the USPS had pulled this stunt with Scott #2967 Legends of Hollywood Marilyn Monroe, wouldn't you have preferred the famous "Seven Year Itch" full size cutout image of Marilyn Monroe ($31.88) to decorate your man cave rather than a framed imperforated press sheet ($54)? I rest my case.