Baseball trading pins are ubiquitous in youth league sports, appreciated by players and fans alike. Every year brings more recognition and appreciation of these tokens of friendship and good sportsmanship.

Baseball trading pins are hugely popular in youth baseball and softball leagues across the country, and even internationally. Since Little League baseball introduced its first official baseball trading pins in the early 1980s, the pins have become a key part of both Little League and other youth leagues. In many cases, they’re nearly as popular as baseball itself.

It’s understandable why baseball trading pins are so popular. They’re attractive, well-crafted miniature works of art. The designs are personal to each team, and they’re easily affordable. Best of all, they’re easy to collect and to carry. A chance encounter with a stranger can quickly become the beginning of a new friendship, thanks to baseball trading pins.

The frenzy for baseball trading pins peaks every August at the Little League World Series. South Williamsport, Pa. becomes the center of the trading pin world. Many traders never even see a baseball game because they’re so busy swapping baseball trading pins.

That showcases another advantage of baseball trading pins. They’re linked to a specific time and place. People will remember that they got a specific pin at a game or tournament. Baseball trading pins make great souvenir of the tournament your team played in.

Any good provider of baseball trading pins will never charge for artwork and revisions, so you can tweak your team’s pins until they’re just right. With a few tips, your ordering experience can be fast, easy and fun.

There’s one basic rule to remember: order early. It’s easy to wait, but the season for baseball trading pins tracks directly with youth league baseball season. By June, EVERY factory that produces baseball trading pins is swamped, with an order backlog. Wait too long and you risk not being able to get the trading pins you need in time for the big game.

When it comes to designing your team’s baseball trading pins, there’s another simple rule. Bigger pin trade better than smaller ones. If you want the most bang for your buck, go for bigger pins – 1.75" at minimum, up to 3" or so. Size equals trading power.

Once you’ve got the basic design of your baseball trading pins down, think about options. Simple add-ons boost the trading power, making each one of your team’s pins worth two or more of those from other teams. And remember, when you think trading pin design, think bright, flashy, eye-catching. Baseball trading pins are not a place for understatement.

If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry. Glitter enamel is an affordable option that gives your baseball trading pins an elegant look at low cost. If you want to add the year of the tournament, add danglers.

Want to kick it up a notch? Add motion to your baseball trading pins in the form of spinners, sliders or bobble heads. Anything that adds motion makes your pins more desirable.

You can even give your team mascot blinking eyes. LED lights are a great way to make your team’s baseball trading pins impossible to miss.