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We've got quite a few unique pins! From glow-in-the-dark pins to screen-printed pins, here are a few worth checking out for your sports team!

In a world where over 232.6 million Americans take part in fitness activities, sports are just as popular as ever before. Whether someone plays on an intramural group, a Little League, a college team, or a professional league, unique pins can help them express their love for the events they excel at.

Here, we're going to talk about limited-edition sports pins and why they're an amazing choice for sports enthusiasts. Read on to learn what options are available to you!

Why Limited Edition Sports Pins?

Limited-edition pins are specially designed limited quantity pins with a design variation that sets them apart from the rest of the trading pins. While you might have a simple soft enamel design that you give out at regular events, a limited-edition run is ideal at special tournaments. These pins are variations of other designs that take on special properties that set them apart. For example, they might glow in the dark or have somewhat different colors than the original design showcased.

There are tons of awesome benefits to getting limited-edition pins. For one thing, they can commemorate special games and unique tournaments. People can easily pinpoint where they got a unique button and remember the day fondly. They also are ideal for those who enjoy trading pins. A pin trader can try to collect multiple different variants of a favorite design. They also will have more to offer so they can make consistently better trades and find what they want.

Limited-edition pins are also more valuable than base designs. They're rarer and are generally made with higher quality or more unique materials. These special characteristics makes them high-demand items that people will be excited to receive.

This excitement will carry over into the sporting event or tournament. You'll create hype in a simple and affordable way!

Unique Pin Options for Your Team

Team pins are 100% customizable. You can create any design you like. You're not restricted to certain shapes or colors, so you can make something authentic to your team's images and values.

Soft enamel pins are a great choice for those who want high-quality pieces. You can get minimalistic designs in full color and heavy durability. They also have an appealing texture because of the metal outline that rises slightly above the colored enamel filling. Offset printed pins are another option for those who want a more detailed, brightly-colored design. They're printed out as a flat image and made durable with special materials that stop fading and chipping. They're also inexpensive and have a faster turnaround time, though quick pins are an even faster alternative.

But any design that you can get in a basic style can also be made more unique. That's where limited-edition options come in.

Black Out and Colorway Pins

If you're a fan of minimalism, blackout pins are a great choice for your team. They feature an all-black image inside stark gold or silver outlines. This makes the design stand out against its background. Blackout pins are trendy and rare. They're a great way to give team members something unique to trade at sporting events or conventions.

Limited Edition Blackout Trading Pin

Colorway trading pins exist on the other end of the design spectrum. You can take a design you really like and change its colors from those in the original design. This creates multiple colorway options. Pin trading enthusiasts will have an awesome time trying to collect all the colorways.

Colorways Trading Pins
Colorways Trading Pins

Rainbow Anodized Pins

Those who love colorful designs will like pins that have undergone the anodizing process. It alters the outer metal layer of your pin so that it changes colors in various lighting. The finish itself will have several different hues that stand out at different angles. The process also makes it more resistant to water damage and rust. It increases the lifespan of your pins as well as their beauty.

Rainbow Anodized Pins

Glow-in-the-Dark Options

Glow-in-the-dark pins showcase a basic design in the light. But when the darkness hits, certain parts will light up. Some people will choose to make the design's outline glow in the dark. Others will accentuate certain parts like lettering. Regardless, these buttons are great for nighttime sporting events. They also are awesome for traders because they're a fun way to stand out.

Glitter Trading Pins

Glitter trading pins add a bit of shimmering sparkle to any design. You can include glitter in any base color so it stands out in the light. These are great for adult teams, but they're ideal mostly for Little Leagues and youth events since every kid loves glitter.

Glitter Trading Pins

Translucent Trading Pins

Translucent pins are a unique way to make any custom pin design stand out. They begin with a metal underbody that shows the shape in raised metal outlines. The depressed spaces are filled with a special translucent enamel. The transparency makes the metal underneath the colors visible. The pin takes on a metallic sheen that glows in any lighting.

Translucent Trading Pins

Other Unique Pins

These are just some of the custom pins you can get for limited-edition runs. Other options include:

The main thing to love about sports trading pins is that there are tons of options available. They're attractive, easy to customize, and simple to order.

Invest in Unique Pins Today

Now that you know why limited edition sports pins are a great choice, it's time to begin printing the designs that your team is sure to love.

Baseball Trading Pins is committed to helping you choose the right type of unique pins for your product. We also are happy to discuss designs that work well on various materials and how you can create something great. Get a quote today to learn the ins and outs of your specific custom pin pricing.

Little League trading pins offer a wonderful way to encourage sports participation. Discover how it motivates players and why it matters here!

Table of Contents

According to research from the National Alliance for Sports, about 70% of children in Little Leagues will drop out by age 13. There are many reasons for this. Some big ones are a lack of motivation, little encouragement, and an unwillingness to make sports a priority.

Luckily, a little bit of appreciation and acknowledgment goes a long way. Tangible rewards and gifts like little league trading pins can encourage sports participation. Read on to learn how.

Pins Provide Immediate Gratification

Delaying gratification has many benefits like increasing memory and building patience. Unfortunately, the average child only has an attention span of 2-3 times their age. This is even shorter for most children, especially those who enjoy a lot of activity in sporting events or those who have ADHD.

Some experts are recently realizing that instant gratification has several benefits. It's generally harmless, when the rewards that they're working toward are small. It's just positive reinforcement!

Little League Trading Pins for World Series

This is especially true for kids. Big-picture rewards usually feel far in the future for them. This is especially true when they're intangible things like "winning the big game." These experts note that satisfaction creates motivation and momentum. It also keeps people feeling creative and strong so they have the stamina to continue tasks and build skills.

Small physical rewards like trading pins help kids to feel accomplished within just one practice session. They feel like they've done something and gotten a tangible representation of that accomplishment. So, you're building momentum with smaller rewards so that they can make bigger achievements that feel good later.

Pins Can Be Motivational

In this way, Little League trading pins can motivate kids to work harder. A coach can show them the pins before practice and explain why they're significant. They can then tell the kids exactly what they need to do to get the pins.

At this point, the children will have established a desire for the pins. This is especially true because they'll want to impress their peers. They'll know what they need to do to get one and have a goal to work toward.

Pins Can Celebrate Milestones

Even better, Little League trading pins can celebrate milestones. They come in all shapes and sizes so that you can make different pins to celebrate different achievements.

For example, quick pins are fast to print and ideal for small, consistent achievements. Maybe if a kid scores a home run during a game, they get a special home-run design. If another kid gets no fouls, they can get a different-colored pin to represent that.

You can celebrate bigger milestones with offset-printed or enamel pins. They're high-quality options that kids love. You can give kids a colorful offset pin when they score 10 home runs in the season. You could give the entire team beautiful, much-coveted soft enamel designs if they make the playoffs. The ball's in your court to figure out when some positive reinforcement is due!

Pins Express Appreciation

Praise and rewards make children feel more confident. They foster a greater sense of self. You teach kids to recognize the things that they do right and be proud of what they have done.

This is even true in the adult world. Companies that have tangible rewards like pins have 14% more productivity than others. Fewer people quit, too!

Little League Baseball Trading Pins for Lonestar Baseball Club

In any case, giving a child a gift in the form of a pin can make them feel appreciated. They'll know that their efforts are noticed and will gain the confidence to keep making those efforts. Attention, praise, and small gifts are simple ways to keep children interested in continuing activities.

You can even give kids pins for accomplishments that aren't measurable as awards for standing out. Randomly giving your best team players pins is a great way to encourage children to cooperate and work toward shared team goals. Pins for amazing effort during practice can make kids feel special as random rewards and motivate everyone to try harder.

Pins are Fun to Wear and Trade

Pins are really diverse in their materials, styles, designs, and colors. You can give out different pins at different practices, too. They're easy to buy in bulk and aren't very expensive.

If some are exclusive to certain practices or events, you'll motivate kids to make it to practice. This is because pins are fun to wear and trade. Children who go to these practices will have something exclusive to boast about at school and in extracurriculars. They'll have a coveted item to trade with teammates, too, and this diversity makes trading more fun for children.

Kids will associate sports practices and games with this fun social activity that they enjoy with their peers. You'll build positive connections between sports and their social lives. This can also bring teams closer together and encourage them to be friends outside of practice.

Sports pin trading can even increase participation in athletics. Kids who aren't in sports can see their peers being happy and excited about trading pins. They may want to feel included and become interested in joining youth sports to become part of the in-group.

Increase Sports Participation With Little League Pins

Now you know some ways sports pins can make sports participation more fun for kids. With that information in mind, it's time to start designing pins that kids will be excited to put on their bags and lanyards.

Baseball Trading Pins experts are committed to helping you design your next trading pin product! We offer many different pin types including soft enamel options, offset printed pins, and quick pins. Request a quote for your trading pins today to start encouraging your little league team ASAP.

Do you want your kids to start playing little league baseball? Read our article about the various baseball safety tips that you should take into consideration.

Little League Baseball isn't so little any longer.

What started in 1939 as a way for young boys to play baseball has evolved to include all genders (girls have been included since 1974) and up to age 18, depending on where you live.

While Little League can be a great experience for children, it also has its dangers. As a parent or coach, you should be aware of possible injuries to your child or players and take appropriate precautions. Remember, even if you're working on your child's swing casually in the park, you still need to be aware of safety rules and measures.

Make Sure Your Equipment Is Sound

Don't work with old equipment or equipment that doesn't seem like it is in working condition. Sure, it's nice to use your old Little League equipment with your child, but that doesn't mean it is up to par with today's standards.

Equipment should be replaced often and always in a condition to protect players.

Batters Must Wear a Helmet

Batters should wear a helmet that meets National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) specifications when on the pitch and running the bases. That probably means that if you have an old one hanging out in your garage that's 30 years old, it's probably not going to cut it.

It is also recommended that your child wear a face mask with the helmet to reduce the occurrence of facial injures or concussions. A helmet and mask should be worn, even if you're playing for fun. While casual games are not as intense, there's nothing casual about a concussion or broken nose.

If the helmet has a chin strap, make sure it is on securely. Coaches and parents should ensure the helmet is being worn properly before allowing a child to go to bat.

Little League Baseball Pin

Cleats Must Be Molded Plastic

Most youth clubs don't allow metal cleats any longer, and molded plastic cleats are much safer. When two players collide and get kicked, metal cleats versus plastic cleats mean the difference between a tiny scratch and a more serious cut.

Protective Cups

It can be a bit embarrassing to talk to your child about it, but most male players should have protective cups. These cups will protect the child from being hit in the crotch. Male players should also wear athletic supporters.

Catcher Gear

A catcher should be in their full gear, whether they're practicing or playing. As they're at a higher risk of being hit with the ball or a bat, you cannot take a chance and allow a child to practice catching without it.

They should always wear a face mask, a throat guard, a helmet, a chest protector, shin guards, and an athletic supporter. To catch the ball, they should always be using a catcher's mitt.

Bats

We recommend using a wide aluminum bat that complies with Little League regulations whether playing a game or practicing. When practicing batting at home, we recommend you do not use a metal bat, as it can be more dangerous. While wooden and plastic bats break more easily and are not as effective, they are much safer.

Sliding

Sliding head-first is banned in Little League because it often results in injuries to the hands and arms. Do not allow head-first sliding in practices, and encourage learning how to slide safely. In fact, a 2003 study found that while it may feel like sliding head-first is faster, in actuality, it isn't. Add the risk factors that come with it, and there's no reason even to attempt it. If you're a coach, you should also make sure that your players know how to slide properly.

Little League Trading Pin

Have a Defibrillator on Hand at Practices and Games

In New York City, defibrillators are required at all practices and games, but they aren't required universally. They can literally be lifesavers, especially if a player gets hit over the heart and passes out. It can not only save players but also spectators and family members should they have a cardiac event.

Have a First Aid Kit

This goes without saying, as any time you're caring for kids doing physical activity, a first aid kit is necessary. You should be able to do a minimal amount of first aid to major injuries to keep the player comfortable until help arrives. You should also be able to care for injured and scraped legs, knees, elbows, etc., with ease.

Limit Pitches

Pitchers, even younger ones, can suffer from overuse injuries. That's why you should limit pitches as much as possible and now allow a child to pitch and pitch and pitch. A child under the age of 14 should not pitch more than 1,000 pitches per season and 3,000 per year. This should be adhered to, even in practice, to prevent overuse injuries.

USA Little League has limits per age range, so you will need to adhere to this.

Little League Baseball Is a Learning and Growing Experience

Little League Baseball is a fun learning experience and can be a great way for children to build skills. Even if your child isn't the next Babe Ruth, they can still have fun developing their hand-eye coordination, working as a team, and learning valuable social skills.

Baseball trading pins can help enhance the feeling of camaraderie between players and a fun hobby to go alongside their playing.

If you want to make custom pins for your team, click here to get a quote.

Trading pins can tarnish over time, so they need to be cleaned on occasion. Read our guide to learn how to clean and store your custom trading pins.

Custom trading pins aren't just pieces of metal, they are small representations of your hometown, your favorite team, or even your culture. While they make for great collector's items, they can be even more fun to trade when you feel the time is right.

The value of authentic team logos, mascots, and signature phrases at major league baseball games has also increased among collectors. One thing that people often overlook is the power of cleaning your pin before trading. This could increase the value a bit and keep it looking new for long periods.

Cleaning your baseball trading pins may seem like a menial task, but it can have a massive impact on how they look, feel, and even smell over time.

With that, keep reading for some of the top tips for cleaning and storing your custom baseball trading pins.

What Are Trading Pins Made From and What’s Best to Clean Them?

So, what are custom trading pins? They are small tokens that represent something, in many cases, they represent sports teams. Trading pins are normally made from metal or enamel.

You can even get soft enamel options which have become popular due to their sense of texture and lightweight. Different materials react to cleaning solutions and the force of cleaning agents or scrubbers differently.

Soft enamel custom designed baseball team pins

If you don't take the time to assess what you are cleaning and how you could cause a bit of damage to your trading pins. Metal trading pins are normally colored metal or even anodized metal. This makes them stand out when compared to other materials.

They tend to be the most expensive and therefore might need the most care in terms of value and their lifespan, at least aesthetically. Enamel is usually made when you fuse powdered glass onto a substrate using fire.

One great thing with enamel options is that the colors within the pin won't fade over time. They are known for being long-lasting. They also look more expensive in some cases which is another reason to keep these pins clean.

Which Options Are Best?

So, you might be wondering what cleaning solutions or techniques you can use with each material. For enamel options, the paint makes them appear brighter and helps them to stand out. These pins need to be cleaned gently with a soft cloth to avoid scratching the paint.

Keep in mind that while they might not fade with time, it's still possible to cause damage by your own hand. Using silver polish with a clean cloth often works best for metal pins. As for enamel pins you want to make sure that you don't machine polish them.

This means that yes, you can polish them with a polishing solution but this should be done by hand. You also shouldn't use any form of household or chemical cleaner on an enamel pin.

Top Ways to Clean Custom Trading Pins

Aside from using silver polish or other polishing solutions, there are other methods you can use. Let's take a look at some of the top ways to clean a pin.

Use a Duster or Buff the Pins

Remember that cleaning your metal pins doesn't always have to involve some type of liquid. Actually, you shouldn't introduce your enamel pins to water at all. The same goes for your metal pins as well. Leaving them exposed to water for too long or in general could cause them to rust.

While water isn't the best method, simple dusting or wiping the pins down periodically is even better. This method is also very easy to do and keep up with, without damaging the material of the pin.

Use Distilled Vinegar and Water

If you have heavier amounts of tarnishing on your pins, you can mix a bit of water and vinegar together to create the perfect cleaning solution. You will want to have a ratio of at least 2:1 or 1:1 to get the best results. After you remove the backing of your pin, you can go ahead and submerge the pin in the solution.

It's important to remember that cleaning vinegar is at least 20% stronger than white distilled vinegar, so you don't want to use that in place of the water and vinegar combination. After letting it sit for a few minutes you just need to rinse the pin. It's best to use a toothbrush or something with soft bristles or a smooth surface to clean in the cracks of the pin.

Get Better With Your Storage

The way you store your custom trading pins will determine how fast they get dirty. A pro tip would be to have a cover or a wrap of jewelry-grade cloth to cover or drape the pin in. Or you could have separate holding slots for each coin.

If you want to clean your enamel pins and protect them from the elements, you will also want to keep your enamel pins out of direct sunlight and high temperatures of direct heat.

Keep your custom trading pins clean to maintain that bright glow.

Another pro tip, to help care for your custom pins is to store them with silica gel packets. These beads will help to prevent rust and could decrease tarnishing in general. This is the best option if you want to avoid tarnish and rust.

Expand Your Collection

Now that you know a bit more about how to clean your custom trading pins and how to keep them clean, now may be the time to begin thinking about what your next season trading pins will look like for your baseball team! Our experienced team has been helping team design custom team trading pins since 2003 and we can help you design yours too!

Variety and uniqueness are two words that every pin collector enjoys hearing so check out some of our limited edition options and have a look at our order processes today.

Did you know that approximately 38% of children participate in Little League between the ages of six and 12? While this number is lower than it had been in the past, the reality is that Little League participation is still high compared to other sports.

From taking your kid to baseball practice all the way up to travel leagues, many parents love watching their kids improve at baseball and respond to motivating techniques from their coaches.

However, it can be challenging at the Little League baseball level when your child doesn't want to go to practice. This is a common scenario for many parents. The great news is that there are several parenting strategies you can use to get your child excited about heading out to the diamond.

In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about motivating your child to engage in the sport of baseball even when they don't want to.

The Problem

We've all been there. You're the parent of a child who is just starting the home stretch of their Little League season in the summertime. You got them into the car, but they just don't want to go to their practice or game.

baseball practice
Baseball pins are great baseball team motivators

As a parent, you're facing a dilemma. Do you give in to your child and their wishes, or do you know that they'll be much happier once they finally get out on the diamond? It can be challenging to know whether or not you are making the right choice no matter what you choose.

However, there are some things you can do to avoid the situation in the first place.

Ask The Right Question

One of the best things to do is to ask a question of your child right after practice or game. Ask them how the game went, or how they felt about their team's performance. When you show your interest in their activity and the things they do, they may take notice.

This can be enough to inspire a young child to look forward to going to their next practice or game, knowing mom or dad is watching.

Practice at Home

You can also try to encourage your child to practice their baseball skills at home outside of practice. Sometimes the environment of being with the full team can be intimidating, especially to a young player.

If the young athlete says no they don't want to play, tell them that that's okay. You can always bring up another time.

Being at As Many Games as You Can

Another important thing you can do is to be at as many of their games as you can. When a child feels that you are physically present watching them, they feel supported. They're more likely to enjoy being out on the diamond knowing that their parent is there and they are safe.

When you aren't able to make many games, it may make your child feel lonely and that they are doing something they don't really want to do.

Keeping Negative Emotions To Yourself

As a parent, it can be difficult to keep your emotions to yourself, especially if you have a history in sports. Your child may know about your glory days out of the diamond and may feel intimidated to try to live up to you or another sibling.

You may also have anxiety whenever they come to the plate, wondering if they're going to be a slugger the way you or your family members were. It's important not to let this type of performance anxiety issue out to your child.

Ultimately, at this level of the game, the most important thing is for them to enjoy themselves. You can worry about whether or not they had one or two strikeouts when they reach higher levels of competition. But at the Little League level, it's simply about having fun. Baseball pins are a great motivator too!

Being on a baseball team is a great way to make friends and earn the support of other athletes. For some children, it can be the first time they truly succeed at something. Many kids who have difficulty in school find baseball and other sports a helpful outlet that helps them grow their confidence at a younger age.

Allow Them To Learn Consequences of Missing Practice

Another important teaching lesson as a parent is to allow your children to make their own choices sometimes. It may surprise your child when you tell them that it's okay for them not to go to practice during the week if they don't want to. They may wonder why you are being lenient all of a sudden.

How to motivate kids to practice baseball
Baseball team trading pins make great motivational tools

However, they will quickly realize over the weekend when they are not getting playing time what the negative consequences of their actions are. Of course, many parents will try to avoid this approach to parenting, but it is important to give your child some sense of autonomy.

Learning that actions, or in this case inactions, have consequences is an important lesson to learn while young.

Deeper Discussions

Finally, try to have a deeper discussion about the sport with your child. If they just had a great game where they hit a single, double, or triple for the first time, ask them how they felt. You can use this as a bridge to start deeper discussions with them about what their goals in the sport will be.

If they are fired up based on having a good performance, they may tell you that they want to try to play on the All-Star team. You can use this as a discussion to talk about how to take baby steps so that they can achieve their goals.

Making It To Baseball Practice

At the end of the day, there are many things you can do to encourage your child to make it to baseball practice. Even if they don't want to, you can have great conversations with them that inspire them to get back out of the diamond. You can also help them practice at home and realize their own confidence before showing off their skills to their friends in a community league.

If you enjoyed this article about Little League baseball, please check out the other articles on our blog!

Would you like to know how to play softball? Do you like the game? Read on to learn everything that you need to know on the subject.

Did you know that softball trading pins have been around since the early 1900s? Pin trading became more popularized as the years passed and now many softball players and enthusiasts have traded or purchased dozens of pins.

It can be a fun hobby as you pick up softball or watch your kids play. But before you get started with trading or buying unique pins, you might be curious about how to play softball.

How to play softball

While it has similar rules to baseball, softball is a unique sport that requires some basic knowledge before you go running out onto the field. For a complete softball playing guide, keep reading on!

How To Play Softball

Softball is a fun and exhilarating sport that many different age groups can start. Generally, playing softball takes on two different forms. You can either pick slow pitch or fastpitch softball.

Slowpitch is mainly found on co-ed or intramural teams, while fastpitch softball is played on all-female teams at collegiate and professional levels. You will also see fastpitch softball played at high school levels and competition teams.

Next, you need a basic understanding of the rules to know how to win at softball.

1. Buying the Right Gear

If you want to play softball, you need to purchase the right gear. Softball players will have matching uniforms with their team name or logo on their jerseys.

You will need a mitt and bat after purchasing your jersey and softball. A mitt or glove should be comfortable with enough padding that your hand doesn't sting each time you catch the ball. Since the player at first base and the catcher tend to have many softballs thrown their way, they usually opt for a heavier padded glove.

Aluminum and composite are the two most common types of bats. Collegiate athletes have stricter regulations on the length and weight of their bats - it is helpful to check the league regulations before you purchase any equipment.

Lastly, you will need a batting helmet and extra paddings, such as sliding shorts or knee pads. Additionally, the catcher requires special gear and padding for their position.

2. Innings and Players

Most softball games have seven innings that are played in half innings. What this means is the home team will bat after the visiting team. Once both teams have completed their turn at bat, the next inning starts.

Each team will have nine players on the field while playing defense (e.g., the other team is batting). The nine positions are:

Typically, a softball field has all dirt in the infield and grass in the outfield. As it sounds, left, center and right fielders are equally spaced out in the grass region. You can also think of positions split between outfielders and infielders.

Their primary purpose is to catch or field balls that are hit by the opposing team. Typically, they field the ball and throw it to one of the infielders.

Infielders are spaced out according to their position, with the bases set up in a diamond. For example, there are three bases and one home plate. The player on the first base will be close to their base, as will the second and third base player. Shortstop is the exception to the rule.

They stand between third and second base. The catcher remains crouched behind home plate and catches the softball thrown by the pitcher standing in the center of the infield.

3. Rules of the Game

The game starts with the pitcher throwing the ball underhand. To do this - the pitcher winds up her arm in a complete circle before releasing the ball by her hip.

The person on the opposite team stands on one side of the home plate with a helmet on and holding a bat. They have a goal of hitting the ball, and once they do - they can drop their bat and run to first base.

If the ball touches the ground, the defensive team has to pick up the ball with either their glove or bare hand and throw it to their teammate closest to where the batter is running. If the batter hits the ball into the air and the other team catches it before it hits the ground, the batter is automatically out.

How do you play softball sports trading pins

When the batter hits the ball and it bounces on the ground, the closest player will stop the ball, pick it up, and throw it to the first baseman. The person at first base needs to have at least one foot touching the base when they catch the ball.

If their foot is not on the base and they catch the ball, they have to use the ball - usually in their glove hand - to 'tag' a player out. If you tag the player out or catch the ball, and your foot is on the base before the batter makes it there, they are considered 'out.'

4. How To Score

The team batting has three outs before they switch back to defense. If the batter makes it to first base before they are tagged out, they get to remain on the base. You can think of each base as a safety point.

The opposite team cannot tag you out if you are standing on a base. But, once you leave the base, all bets are off.

The next batter will come out, and the goal is to advance the player on first base all the way around and back to home plate. You can do this by stealing a base (running to the next base just as the ball is thrown) or waiting for the batter to hit the ball.

Once a player makes it back to home plate (after touching each base), they score a point! The ultimate goal is to score more points than the other team.

Softball Playing Tips

If you have wanted to learn how to play softball, the best advice is to join a local team. As you get more familiar with playing the game, you can participate in other fun activities like softball pin trading! It is a great way to bring your team together and create new hobbies.

To get started with your first softball pin order, contact us today and get a free quote.

Baseball pin trading has become increasingly popular over the years, especially among youth baseball teams. It has become a fun tradition and a way to show team spirit and camaraderie.

One reason for its popularity is the unique design and creativity of the custom trading pins. Many teams create their own custom pins with their team name, logo, and other unique designs. These pins can become highly sought after and collectible.

Another reason for baseball pin trading popularity is the social aspect of trading. It provides an opportunity for players to interact with players from other teams and build connections. It also adds to the overall fun and excitement of the game.

Baseball pin trading has also become popular at tournaments and events, where teams from different regions and states can come together and trade pins. This creates a sense of community and unity among the baseball community.

Before you start trading, you should learn more about good pin trading etiquette. Read on as we discuss the rules of baseball trading pins. Here are some general rules and etiquette to follow when trading baseball pins:

Give Space and Be Respectful

There are two ways pins will be displayed. One way is for people to keep their pins on a lanyard around their neck. In these instances, remember to have courtesy when going up to look, as you may be in someone's personal space. 

A second way is for pins to be displayed on a stall. Some vendors may prefer you to ask before you touch, but many won't mind if you have a good look and pick up and touch the pins on offer

baseball pin trading

When trading baseball pins, it is important to be respectful of other teams and their players. Remember that the pins represent the team and the effort that the players have put in, so treat them with respect.

Be a Fair Trader

It is important to offer a fair trade when trading baseball pins. Consider the quality and rarity of the pin, and make sure that the trade is fair for both parties. The size and upgrades of a trading pin really enhances the value of the trading pin so put that into consideration as well when you are negotiate your trades.

Approach Players and Coaches

When you are ready to trade baseball pins, approach the players or coaches of the opposing team. Ask if they are interested in trading, and if they say yes, then show them your pins. Remember to be respectful during your trade and have fun! One important note, Make sure you have enough pins to trade with other teams. Bring a variety of pins to the game, including different designs and colors. We have made made second design pins for this very purpose! We have had teams make special edition pins too with certain upgrades like glow in the dark enamel! We have made thousands of team trading pins so we know exactly what can help your designs really wow the other teams.

Size and Feature

Generally, trading pins for baseball is done for ones of a similar size and property. For example, no one will trade a large, ornate pin with glitter and a unique shape, for a small standard one. However, this is where the beauty of pin trading really begins. 

You may find some traders love pins with glitter, or go for small, well-designed ones. In these instances, they may be willing to trade a pin that would be considered more sought after for one you have. Pin trading is never the same and that is what makes pin trading so much fun!

Rules of Baseball Trading Pins

Keeping Track

When trading pins for baseball, the scope and breadth of pins are quite intimidating. And during trade events it can get very exciting that we might lose track of which ones we want to keep and which ones we want to sell. The excitement of trading can get the best of us at times so make sure to keep track of your collection of baseball pins, so that you don't accidentally trade away a pin that you wanted to keep.

Practice Patience

The world of trading is extremely social. It can also be really exciting if you see a pin you really want and are excited to get. However, you should never interrupt someone else's trade. 

Avoid arguments and upsets by waiting in line. If someone gets the pin before you, then you can try trading with them or letting it go. It is important to remember that trading baseball pins is a fun tradition, not a competition. Don't be too aggressive when trying to trade, and be willing to walk away if a trade doesn't seem fair. Remember you are there to have fun!

Enjoy the Hobby

Now you know the rules of baseball trading pins, go out and trade! Make sure you have fun, and most of all enjoy the interaction with other teams. Overall, the key to successful baseball pin trading is to be respectful, fair, and prepared. Happy trading!

If you are looking to create your baseball pins, then Baseball Trading Pins should be your first stop! Click here to see our monthly specials and let one of our experienced and talented specialists help you design your team's best trading pin yet!

 

The first major league baseball game ever played was on May 4, 1869, hosted by the Cincinnati Red Stockings.

Today, many little league players are hopefully participating in baseball to become a professional in Major League Baseball. Their experiences in little league are paving the way to a newfound love of the game that they can enjoy for the rest of their lives.

Keep reading to learn how to make your child's little league baseball experience more fun!

Buy Custom Gear

One of the most exciting things your baseball player looks forward to is their new gear. However, you can make them even more excited with custom pieces.

You can include their name, team, or number on various merchandise. For example, custom enamel pins are a great keepsake they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

Be a Cheerleader

Little league baseball is a sport where parents have many opportunities to encourage and cheer on their children. Showing your children your excitement can bring them so much happiness. Hearing you cheer will help them have more fun and do better overall.

Being a cheerleader also includes cheering them up when they're down. This will help them pick their heads back up after a bad play or error. Remember, you are their comfort, and they will always look to you for consolation.

Watch the Big Leagues

Watching major league baseball games can help inspire your little league player. They'll strive to be like the professional players, making them take the sport more seriously overall.

Live college or MLB games are an excellent way to get them more involved with the sport. Here, they can watch their favorite players in real life. They'll be awestruck when they finally visit a stadium and experience the crowd's reactions to the game.

Offer Support

Baseball isn't always easy or fun, especially when games are lost. However, it's your job to provide the necessary support to ensure your child is mentally okay. Your support will help them get through difficult and trying times.

Supporting your player can be as simple as talking about their previous game and how they can improve. It's essential to let your child know they have you to lean on, regardless of the game's outcome.

Practice at Home

Practice is essential for any player that wants to succeed in baseball. Team practices help with game scenarios and keep their skills sharp. However, practicing at home offers excellent one on one work.

Home practices can help focus on the basics and mechanics of baseball. You can help your child work on specific movements at their own pace. This work will improve their skills and make them better overall.

Buy Baseball Memorabilia

There's nothing more exciting than buying the memorabilia of your favorite player or team. Your children can grow their collection with jerseys, cards, posters, baseball pins, etc. Each piece of memorabilia will help inspire and excite your children about the sport.

This is also an excellent opportunity to share your collection with your children. You will get to share your favorite pieces and bond with them.

Improve your childs little league experience with custom baseball pins

Share Personal Experiences

Baseball is a worldwide sport that many people have played or love watching. Sharing your experiences with your children can help them see the sport from another point of view. Your personal experiences could inspire them and create a new connection together.

However, some people have no experience with baseball at all. You can use this time to create new memories and discuss them together. Your investment in the sport will translate to your children, making them more interested.

Mix Up Positions

If your child has become bored of baseball, it may be because they are in a position that doesn't suit them. Playing the same position at a young age can become tiresome, making them dread the game. Switching players around occasionally can make things more fun for the children.

Mixing up positions will keep them interested and excited to play. This can also help find the spot that suits each player the bests. Certain areas need specific skills, meaning your child may be better elsewhere.

Let Them Pick Equipment

Baseball gear usually consists of a glove, bat, ball, helmet, and cleats. Giving your child the option to pick out their gear can make things fun for them. They can pick what fits and looks the best to them.

Their personality can shine through their choices as they decide on colors and types of equipment. Making their own decisions will ensure they are excited each time they use their gear.

Don't Overly Criticize

Baseball isn't always a winning sport, meaning losses happen. These losses can make or break players depending on how they react to them. Mistakes happen in the game, and it's your job to help your child through them.

However, never take the criticism too far and continuously put them down for errors. Constructive criticism is the best way to talk about mistakes and how to improve.

Remember, little league baseball is a place to learn and have fun. Too much criticism could impact your child's mental state, making them dislike the game.

Improve Your Childs Little League Experience

Have Fun

As previously mentioned, little league is an excellent place for your children to socialize and learn the game. Always encourage your child to have fun during games and practices. This encouragement will give them the confidence to be happy no matter the game's outcome.

Once they're having fun, they'll soon develop positive feelings towards the sport. These feelings will help them decide to play baseball season after season.

Improving Your Child's Little League Experience

All of these tips will ensure your child is having fun during little league baseball. Additionally, they'll become a well-rounded baseball player as they play throughout the years.

Don't forget to contact us today for any of your baseball pin needs! We specialize in creating top-quality custom team enamel pins!

Trading pins have a rich history dating back to the beginning of the modern Olympics in 1896. Tradeable souvenirs have been popular since sports and print became mainstream, but the 1896 Athens Olympics were a big jumping-off point. Large youth baseball tournaments - including uniforms and lodging are raised today using baseball trading pins.

A new version of such a historically significant global display of athletic ability brought fans out of all countries and pumped life into the industry of tradeable gear - namely pins. Thus began the history of trading pins. Baseball trading pins were an evolution of the market for these collectible sports pins.

They are also very flexible as fundraisers because many of the team members buy them themselves to trade with other players at tournaments or events. First, let's take a more detailed look at the history of trading pins.

Baseball Trading Pins - What Are They?

history of baseball trading pins
Baseball Trading Pins

In 1898, sponsored pins by companies hoping to market themselves to sports fans began to spring up with certain players featured on such pins. A prominent sports commentator published an outstanding review of the birth of baseball trading pins in 2012.

Today, sports pins are collectible for youth sports players and enthusiasts and can also be feasibly used as a fundraising item. Players and parents alike love to collect, trade, and display these pins as keepsakes for tournaments, teams, and accomplishments that they or their children have participated in or accomplished.

Baseball pins are tradeable and collectible little emblems that kids or parents collect or sell at events to commemorate an event or team. Typically, they come in the form of a traditional pin that can be attached to a bat bag, a hat, a shirt, or any other type of baseball-related gear.

Baseball pins officially started in the 1920s at a small business in upstate New York. They offered what they called "pin-back buttons" in packs of four for collections or for trading that featured profiles of local baseball players.

Trading Pins on a Global Scale

In 1924, pins gained a huge following with Olympic athletes in the first-ever "Olympic Village." Competitors from all over shared the same space for the duration of the games. Not only did camaraderie ensue, but trading pins also gained popularity in a big way - as sort of a goodwill offering from one country to another via their athletes.

history of baseball trading pins
Baseball Trading Pins

Once the audience of the Games noticed the trend, a market sprang up amongst them that was feverish in the least. As a result, officials made a concerted effort to cap the number of trading pins to maintain their value and exclusivity.

Trading Pins in the Modern Age

Fast forward to the late 20th century, when baseball trading cards began to enjoy a booming market with both children and adult baseball fans. Modern corporations started to notice the demand for exclusive and collectible items.

As a result, trading cards for every sport and subject known to Americans began to flood the market. Everything from baseball cards to cartoon Garbage Pail Kid cards could be found on the "impulse buy" shelves that lined checkout lanes.

Major conglomerates such as Disney and Coca-Cola have now entered the trading pin market. Coca-Cola's trading pin market became global news at the 1988 Olympics - people flocked to the Games to get their hands on the pins rather than to watch the events.

Another great example is Disney. Disney has possibly developed the world's most lucrative trading pin market. They were also the first non-sporting-related organization to introduce a trading pin program.

The Intrinsic Value of Baseball Trading Pins

Today's youth participate in a staggering amount of sports. If your child's chosen favorite is baseball, you're going to find yourself helping to fundraise for the team to save on equipment costs and league fees. You're also going to want to get something that your little slugger can keep to help remember the experience and to trade with their friends.

When your children have children, they can sit down and show them their keepsakes from all of the tough competitions and tournaments that they played in. This fosters a multi-generational legacy of discipline and sporting success. And let's face it - having some extra bling on their backpack for winning a tournament is bound to boost a kiddo's confidence.

Social Development and Baseball Trading Pins

Quite a bit of the experience of youth baseball is meeting new friends from different teams and regions. Baseball trading pins work as a great icebreaker for your children and kids that they might otherwise have not met. Experiences like that can help build their social skills and be more confident in situations involving children their age.

Why Baseball Trading Pins Stand the Test of Time

Like most collectibles, baseball trading pins provide a tangible item for the collector that signifies a significant experience in their life.

Collections give us a sense of community and commonality - some people collect stamps and find friends who are fellow enthusiasts. Geocachers are a modern iteration of trading pin collectors. They hunt out real-life treasures for collectible pins that they trade with other enthusiasts.

Other common collectibles include:

Help Your Kids Make Memories

By investing in baseball trading pins, you are not only opening up a possible fundraiser to help your child's team. In fact, you are giving them an opportunity to develop socially with like-minded children both locally and outside of your area.

Your team may not win a championship ring every year, but at the very least your young masher can come away with a bit of "jewelry" to adorn their backpack or favorite baseball cap. By the same token, they can spread the wealth to their fellow ballplayers by trading. Contact a quality pin maker to view your options and for pricing.

Pin trading in sports first started in the 1890s as a way to promote companies to baseball fans. Today, pin trading is a worldwide phenomenon in all sports. 

You can find pin trading at trade shows for many industries. Pin trading is a popular activity at Disney theme parks. Athletes participate in pin trading at the Olympic Village during the Summer and Winter Games, a tradition that began at the first modern Olympic games in 1896.

For children just getting started in pin trading, sporting events provide a great opportunity to get involved. There is an avid pin trading world for collecting sports pins. 

But before you have your child slide into the world of pin trading, there are a few key tips your child should know. Read on for tips to make the pin trading experience an enjoyable one for your child.

1. How to Decide What to Trade and Collect

Even with unlimited time and money, it would be impossible for someone to collect every type of pin out there. When your child starts collecting pins, it is a good idea to set some limits.

Deciding how big a collection should be can involve discussions about how much space you have for the pins. For instance, some pin collectors use a corkboard to show their pins. When the board is full, they have to decide what to keep and what to trade or give away.

Tips to Teach Children About Pin Trading
Tips to Teach Children About Pin Trading

Another factor to consider is the cost of pins. Whether your child will purchase pins to add to their collection or purchasing pins that they can trade, setting a budget will be helpful. 

Once you've got the ground rules established with your child, now the fun can begin. Talk about what types of pins they find most appealing. It could be for a particular sport, a geographic area, or even a particular color.

Determine whether the pins that your child trades for are ones they plan to keep trading away or if they will have some that end up in a permanent collection. Some children enjoy the act of trading pins more than the collecting of pins.

Some pins may have significant monetary value. While it is unlikely someone would trade a 1911 Philadelphia Athletics Press Pin to your child, if your child is told that a pin is particularly valuable from a collectible standpoint, take a look on ebay to get a general idea of its market value.

2. How to Ask Politely and Handle Rejection

In addition to the fun aspect of pin trading, the act of pin trading itself provides valuable life skills. In order to trade, your child will need to engage in social interaction with another person, sometimes an adult.

Explain that to start asking about a trade, be polite. Don't interrupt if the person is speaking with someone else. Make eye contact and speak in a clear voice. Don't grab for a pin without permission.

Once they have the attention of the pin trader, your child can introduce themselves, and propose a trade. 

This is also a great opportunity to learn more about the pin they are looking at. Let your child ask questions that they are curious about. Is the pin old or new? Is the pin about a team or does it commemorate an event?

Sometimes pins can have a fascinating story behind them.

Although most pin trades are one pin for one pin, some collectors may want to trade a couple more common pins for a rarer pin. You can teach your child the art of negotiation. 

In some cases, a pin trader may have a particular pin that they don't want to trade, but just bring to show. Teaching your child how to handle rejection if a trade isn't successful is an important life skill. 

3. How to Care For and Display a Pin Collection

Once your child has a collection of pins, this provides a great opportunity to teach responsibility in caring for the collection. 

There are a variety of different pins created for trading, including soft enamel pins and molded pins. Some pins come with a safety back pin, and others are a pin that is covered by a rubber or metal clutch.

Pins that have a pin covered by a clutch backing are easily displayed on a corkboard or decorated foam board that can be mounted into a frame. For example, a foam board designed to look like a softball is great for displaying a softball pin collection.

You can wear pins on jackets or vests, and there are collectible pin booklets with padded pages for portability when trading.

The two main factors your child will need to know is to protect the pin front from scratches and protect the pin back from bending. Most modern pins are made from materials that are resistant to rust. 

Tips to Teach Children About Pin Trading
Tips to Teach Children About Pin Trading

For pins that are worn on a jacket, hat, or vest, special locking pinbacks provide an added layer of security. These special backs are tightened in place with a small hex key, ensuring that a pin will not fall off of an article of clothing.

To keep pins clean, simply use a slightly damp cloth. Harsh cleaners can cause damage to pin surfaces and should be avoided. Aside from that, pins require minimal regular care, making them a perfect collectible for children of all ages.

Pin Trading: A Hobby That Can Last a Lifetime

Pin trading is a fun hobby that reinforces the values of camaraderie and good sportsmanship between pin traders. It gives a great way for kids to connect with different teams, players, and fans, along with valuable life skills. With a variety of unique designs, there will be something for every child to take an interest in when they start collecting pins.

Considering creating pins for your own softball team? Contact us today for a quote to help your fans or players start collecting softball pins. 

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