From Tradition to Trend: The Rise of Little League Baseball Pins

If you’ve ever been to the Little League World Series, you’ve probably seen it — kids eagerly swapping pins like they’re baseball cards, each one hoping to score something rare or shiny. But where did this tradition start? And why are Little League pins such a big deal?

A Quick Look Back: Where Little League All Began

Little League Baseball was founded in 1939 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. World War II temporarily slowed its growth, as many dads (aka potential coaches and organizers) were away. But by 1947, things took off — the first Little League World Series brought together 11 teams from Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and the hometown team, Maynard Midget League, took home the win.

That first championship game drew 2,500 fans and got national newspaper coverage. From there, the series became the heartbeat of youth baseball in America.

Little League Pins That Build Community

Baseball trading pins aren’t just collectibles — they’re conversation starters, memory makers, and community builders. They’ve become as much a part of the Little League experience as hot dogs, team cheers, and muddy cleats.

Designing custom pins for your team gives players a fun way to bond with each other and with kids from across the country. Pin trading is a sport of its own at games, especially as the World Series approaches. Everyone’s on the hunt for the coolest, most unique designs — and the rare ones? They’re like gold.

More Than Just Fun: A Symbol of Team Pride

Pins are more than just fun to trade — they’re a keepsake, a way to remember a season of hard work, teamwork, and growth. Add jersey numbers or a nod to your coach, and you’ve got something that celebrates your team and every player on it.

Even as the game evolves, pins remain a timeless part of the tradition.

“More than half (58%) of children who participate in sports played their primary sport through community-based programming in Fall 2022… That’s a jump from 38% in Fall 2021.”
Youth Sports Parent Survey

Don’t Forget the Extras

Want your team’s pins to really stand out? Go for enhancements! Options like glitter enamel, danglers, translucent finishes, and bobbleheads take a basic pin and make it unforgettable.

Designing is easier than you think — just fill out a simple form with your team’s info (mascot, colors, state, etc.), and a pin designer can bring it to life.

Going Global: Little League Pins Go International

Since 1957, when Monterrey, Mexico became the first international team to win the LLWS, foreign teams have been part of the action. Though international participation was briefly banned in 1975 due to Taiwan’s dominance, the outcry was loud enough that it was reversed the following year. Today, the title game features the U.S. winner facing off against the international champ — making the Little League World Series a truly global event.

Lights, Camera, Baseball

Baseball participation has surged in recent years, especially post-COVID. And thanks to big broadcast deals, more people are watching than ever.

ABC has aired the LLWS title game since 1962. ESPN joined the mix in 1982, and by 2013, they were airing every game — including regional finals — across their family of networks. While some coverage drew criticism for focusing too much on players’ emotional reactions, child psychologists defended it, saying it helped normalize healthy expressions of disappointment.

Fun Fact: Some Big Leaguers Started Here

Ever heard of Boog Powell, Todd Frazier, or Jason Varitek? Yep — they all played in the Little League World Series before making it to the majors. So next time you see a kid proudly wearing or trading their pin, just imagine the story it might one day tell.

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Why Custom Pins Are Popping Up Everywhere—From Little League to Fraternal Lodges

Walk through any community event, charity fundraiser, or local sports game, and you’ll probably spot someone wearing custom pins. These small but meaningful accessories have made a big comeback—not just as collectibles but as symbols of pride, unity, and belonging.

From Elks Lodges and other fraternal organizations to Little League teams and local businesses, custom enamel pins are becoming a go-to way to celebrate, commemorate, and connect.

Person wearing custom pins

A Modern Take on a Classic Tradition

Custom pins have been around for ages—just think of military insignias or scout badges. But what’s changed is how people are using them today. Organizations are leaning into pin culture. It’s a great way to honor the past and to create something memorable for the present.

For example, many Elks Lodges now design custom pins each year to represent their current Exalted Ruler, anniversary year, or a special event. It’s a subtle but powerful way to foster connection among members. It also gives visitors and newer members something tangible to remember the moment.

Celebrating the Big (and Small) Moments

In the world of youth sports, especially Little League, pins have become a bit of a tradition of their own. Kids trade custom pins, wear them, and hang onto them long after the season ends. They’re handed out on Opening Day, at championship games, or even to recognize good sportsmanship.

The same goes for school events, community fairs, and local charities. Whether it’s a fundraiser for a cause, a city-wide festival, or a commemorative walk, having a small keepsake helps anchor the experience.

More Than Just a Pin—A Piece of Identity

What makes custom pins unique is that they aren’t just merchandise. They have meaning and belonging. They say, “I’m part of this” or “I support this.” And they’re small enough to live on jackets, hats, backpacks, or lanyards without being over-the-top.

For fraternal groups, custom pins help honor tradition and show continuity from year to year. For teams and clubs, they boost morale and build team spirit. For businesses and nonprofits, they’re subtle but effective promotional tools that spark conversation and build brand awareness.

blue denim button up shirt

Small But Mighty: A Sustainable Keepsake

Another reason custom pins are gaining traction is that they’re durable, portable, and sustainable. Compared to t-shirts or paper programs, pins are less likely to end up in the trash. They last for years and don’t require sizes, restocking, or reordering every season.

And with endless options—from hard enamel and soft enamel to glow-in-the-dark or glitter finishes—organizations can really get creative in representing their personality.

A Little Pin with a Lot of Purpose

At the end of the day, a custom pin might seem like a small thing. But in the right moment, it can say a lot. It can mark a year of service, a shared experience, or a community effort. And that kind of meaning? It’s something people remember.

Have you ever gotten a custom pin that meant something to you? Whether it was from a Little League coach, a lodge leader, or a charity you supported—chances are, it’s still tucked away in a drawer or pinned to your favorite jacket.

That’s the magic of a custom pin.

And I’d love to help you create your very own custom pin.

Have an idea for a fun event? Want to make a special pin for your grandma’s 100th birthday celebration? Turn her into a lapel pin and have everybody wear it.

The ideas are endless.

📩 Reach out anytime: holly@thejoshuaconnection.com