Ready to embark on your next collecting obsession? Follow these steps to start building the ultimate baseball trading pins collection.
If you play baseball and you haven't been introduced to the world of baseball trading pins, you're missing out.
This tradition is almost as timeless as the sport itself, and many people find great joy in this past-time. It offers players and fans alike a chance to share their love for baseball with something special.
But why are trading pins so special? It's really up to the beholder, but they can stand for the team effort.
These items represent the trials and tribulations that finally got you that championship win. Other pins in your collection might represent teams that you admire.
Not to mention that you can even find trading pins beyond the world of sports!
If you've never collected anything before, it can be difficult to know where to start. That's why, in this article, we're discussing how you can start your own baseball trading pins collection. Keep reading to learn more.
About Baseball Trading Pins
This tradition has its roots in the 1920s in Rochester, NY. It was a bakery that started the trend by distributing pinback buttons that featured hometown heroes or baseball players. You could collect a pin with each purchase of a loaf of bread, and the pins came in sets for collection and/or trade.
These original trading pins are quite valuable today. Fans wear them and collect them for various reasons that include supporting a team or honoring its history.
There are several different kinds of baseball trading pins that you can find for your collection:
- Soft enamel pins
- Offset digital pins
- Photo-etched pins
Many collectors that are just starting out begin with soft enamel pins. They are long lasting and affordable.
Offset digital pins use designs that are encrypted on a metal plate. Photo-etched pins display images.
Why Trade?
No matter what type of baseball trading pins you prefer, you should start a collection.
Trading pins is a great way to get involved in your sport. You can make new friends among those who collect and show support for all of your favorite teams. You can even trade with other players from different states and regions to expand your collection further.
Collecting trading pins will give you something to talk about during the downtime at games and off the field. It's even more exciting when you find someone who has a pin that you've been looking for. Now, which pins are you willing to trade for that one special pin?
That's the fun in it. See how many pins you can collect in a season, and think about which friends you enjoy trading with the most. Remember that you can keep collecting for your whole life, so the opportunities to find your favorite pins are endless.
Find Pins That You Love
Start by finding baseball trading pins that really catch your eye. Pins that represent your own team are a good starting point too. You can also ask your friends if they have duplicates of any pins they may have collected.
You only need one pin to start collecting. Later, it will feel like a game to see when and where you'll find your next pins. Hopefully, it's not too challenging, and you'll be well on your way to a fine collection in no time.
Take Inventory
Now that you have a few trading pins in your inventory, check everything you've collected so far.
You want to make sure you know which pins you have, and which ones mean the most to you. This can help you organize your pins, which will prevent you from accidentally trading them.
If you have any duplicates, ask your friends if they're up for trading something. Or you can wait until the next game and see if there are other players with pins that you might not ordinarily find.
Keep duplicates separated from the rest so you'll be able to access them easier when it comes the time to trade.
Research Values
Believe it or not, baseball trading pins can hold significant value.
It's not likely that your local team pin is worth more than what you paid for it. Who knows, maybe you'll even find one of those original trading pins from the 1920s!
The Internet is a good place to start researching values. You can also take your pins to a local collector's shop where they may be able to assess their worth for you.
Look up trading pin forums and collector's sites online. Don't forget to ask questions.
Don't ever give up a pin if you think it holds value. Do your research first.
Attend a Meeting
Beyond catching up with the other players at your games, try to find out where other pinheads are.
You can find pin meets where collectors come from far and wide to see what other pin collectors have. These are extremely social events that add a little dose of competition to the mix.
Ask teammates and fellow collectors where to find a pin meet near you.
Check online forums to find out where other collectors are meeting in your region or state.
Have Fun
The most important thing to collecting trading pins is to have fun.
This is an awesome hobby for many sports enthusiasts who want to further involve themselves in this awesome sport.
Don't be let down by a shutout. Get out there and trade some baseball pins with your opponents, and make friends.
Get Your Trading Pins
Starting a new baseball trading pins collection is exciting because you'll have an opportunity to share with all of your friends.
As you get older, your pins might even be worth some money. Not to mention the sentimental value they hold for years to come.
Look for other 'pinheads', those that also enjoy collecting these items, so you can have others to trade with. You can easily display your pins on a cap or backpack so that they know you're interested in trading too.
Keep this timeless tradition alive by starting your own collection today. You won't be disappointed.
If you're interested in purchasing baseball trading pins, or if you have questions, contact us. We offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee!
