US #5628
2021 Bocce – Backyard Games

• One of eight stamps commemorate the many backyard games that entertain us during the warmer months of the year.

Stamp Category:  Commemorative
Set:  Backyard Games
Value:  55¢ First Class Mail Rate (Forever)
First Day of Issue:  August 12, 2021
First Day City:  Rosemont, Illinois
Quantity Issued:  25,600,000
Printed by:  Banknote Corporation of America
Printing Method:  Offset
Format:  Panes of 16
Tagging:  Phosphor, block tag

Why the stamp was issued:  To celebrate bocce – one of the most popular backyard games played in the United States.

About the stamp design:  Pictures original artwork by Mick Wiggins of people playing bocce.

First Day City:  The First Day of Issue Ceremony was held at the Great American Stamp Show 2021 in Rosemont, Illinois.

About the Backyard Games set:  Includes eight designs picturing original artwork by Mick Wiggins of a different backyard game:  badminton, bocce, cornhole, croquet, flying disc, horseshoes, tetherball, and pick-up baseball.

History the stamp represents:  Bocce (sometimes called bocce ball or bocci) is a lawn game descended from similar games played by the ancient Romans.  Modern bocce, which originated in Italy, is quite popular in Europe and countries with large populations of Italian immigrants.

Bocce is played on a dirt and asphalt court approximately 90 feet long and up to 13 feet wide.  The court is often surrounded by walls of wood or stone.  In pick-up games, players may simply find a relatively flat area in a park or yard in which to play.  Bocce balls can be made of wood, metal, baked clay, or plastic, and include one small ball called the jack or “pallino,” and eight larger balls.

A game of bocce begins with one team throwing the jack into a zone at the end of the court.  Each side then bowls (throws underhand) four balls as close as possible to the jack.  The team with the ball closest to the jack is the only one who scores points in that frame (round).  Players may knock their ball into the jack or an opponent’s ball to gain a more advantageous position.  One point is awarded for each ball closer to the jack than the opponent’s ball.

Traditions vary, but a game of bocce usually ends when the score reaches 7 to 13 points.  It is a fun game of strategy that brings out the competitive spirit in everyone who joins.