Columbia Postmaster Jim Antill has designated Monday, July 19, 2010 as “Gamecock College World Series Champions Day” for Post Offices in Columbia. Today, Antill announced the issuance of a special pictorial postmark and a colorful, printed “cachet” collectible envelope, to be made available on Monday in honor of the USC Baseball Team’s victory at the 2010 College World Series. Both items (art attached) will be available at Columbia’s Main Post Office; the envelope for $5, the pictorial postmark is free on items bearing First-Class postage

The cachet envelope, a #10 envelope which comes in a plastic protective sleeve, features USC-approved graphics, a 44-cent flag stamp and a printed version of the special postmark. On the reverse side is a synopsis of the team’s rise to victory and listing of the scores from the 2010 College World Series, the last to be played in Omaha’s famed Rosenblatt stadium.

The envelope may be purchased at the Main Post Office, 1601 Assembly St. Columbia, SC 29201or at the USC Post Office, 1600 Hampton St. Columbia, SC 29201 or ordered by mail. Send mail orders to: Gamecock Envelope, P. O. Box 69 Assembly St. Columbia, SC 29201-0069 Checks or money orders should be made out to “Postmaster”. Envelopes will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis until sold out.

The pictorial postmark is provided as a free service on request to items bearing First-Class postage at both Post Offices on Monday. After that date, requests may be made for thirty days by mail. Mail-in requests should send a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return, and should be postmarked by August 19, 2010. Send your requests to: Postmaster, Gamecock Postmark, P.O. Box 69 Columbia, SC 29201-0069, and/or to Gamecock Postmark, 1600 Hampton St. Columbia, SC 29201.

A special media unveiling will be held at the Main Post Office at 10 a.m. in honor of the team on Monday, July 19 to introduce the new commemorative items. NOTE: Unfortunately, the Main Post Office is not equipped to handle attendance by the general public and accommodate mail service as well during the business day, our plan is to share this event with the public only through the media.

“Like all Gamecock fans, we’re thrilled with the team’s success at the College World Series,” said Postmaster Jim Antill, “and we wanted to do something to show our appreciation. This is our way of paying tribute to the greatest victory in the history of USC sports.”

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Please Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS Newsroom at www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/welcome.htm.

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