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If you're involved in Little League in some form or another and not into baseball pin trading, you're missing out!
With all the traditions out there, don't discount pin trading. In fact, its roots are deeply connected to Cooperstown and the Little League World Series.
If you want to get started in collecting and trading pins, there are some unwritten rules you should know first. We're going over all of them below!
If you're at a tournament, go ahead and display the pins you're willing to trade.
There are so many beautiful pins out there, you might want to show them all off! But remember, people may see your pins and assume you're willing to trade them.
So, it's better to keep your valuable baseball pins aside while a tournament is going on. That will keep people from approaching you about your pins.
No one should ever reach out and touch your pins. Likewise, if you see one you'd like to trade for, don't ever touch without asking first.
Some collectors display their pins on tri-fold cardboard. This happens more at trading events. But, it's a great way to allow people to view what you have while still focusing on the teams on the field.
Trading baseball pins isn't for the shy and quiet. You could wait around for someone to approach you, but you could be waiting a while.
If you see a pin from a distance, think about what you have that's equal value. You may need a little help with this at first, and that's okay. It's better to take a few minutes to understand the value of a pin than ignorantly offer a lesser pin in a trade.
You can even approach the pin holder and ask them what they feel is fair value for it. Most pin collectors are very patient and definitely passionate and would love to get into detail about their pins!
This is also a great way to pass the history of a pin on. You may find you don't have enough to trade for but you've made a connection with another collector and that counts for a lot.
If you're on your way to strike up a conversation with a trader and someone else gets to them first, you have to wait your turn.
Never, ever interrupt a trade! It's not only bad etiquette, but it puts you in a bad light among other traders.
The pin-trading experience is an enjoyable one. Don't argue or get upset if you don't get to make the trade you were hoping for. You always must keep your cool and be friendly when you're trading, even if you get disappointed.
While there are tents and even venues set up for pin trading, some occur between players on the diamond. Trading pins after games is a Little League World Series tradition dating back to 1983.
The players line up after the game for a handshake and trade commemorative pins. Each player now gets to get home with a memento of the game. If your team goes deep into the tournament, the more pins you'll take home.
In some tournaments, you'll see veteran pin traders bartering with the players. In most cases, though, these collectors are well known and may have even spoken with a coach or parent ahead of time.
You have to start somewhere if you're going to get into baseball pin trading, right? Check out our pin specials for the season.
We offer several different types to choose from and can help you design your pin. We've been a trusted source for pins since 2003 but don't take our word for it--check out our five-star rated reviews!