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If you're involved in the world of softball, you've likely heard about pin trading. If you haven't jumped on the bandwagon yet, now's the time to start!
Softball trading pins carry a rich history behind them. Pin trading started decades ago and continues to be a loved aspect of sports events. While pin trading isn't unique to softball, it adds a great element of fun to the sport.
Anyone who loves softball can participate, whether they play the game or prefer to watch it from the sidelines. And getting started is easy.
Are you looking to start trading but aren't sure how to do it? Well, you've come to the right place. Our complete guide will help you learn the ropes and get your foot in the door.
Why do sports enthusiasts love to trade pins? The reasons are about as endless as the number of existing pin designs.
Trading pins are great for a number of reasons. They encourage interaction between sports teams who otherwise would only play each other than go home. This helps bring unity to the sport and helps players make new friends.
Unity is felt within a team, too, when everyone has a matching pin to represent their team. Players may also have pins specifically created to commemorate a specific tournament or championship. As players from various teams meet and trade together, they're given a chance to learn good sportsmanship.
Trading isn't limited to players only, though. Spectators can also participate, showing support for their favorite teams while working to build their own trading pin collections. Pins can also be used for brand promotion. This helps the team and spreads the word about the fun they're having.
Simple, small, and inexpensive, pins provide a non-cumbersome physical momento of games, friends, and beloved experiences on the field.
Pin trading rules are simple. Because there really aren't any. While the decision to trade or not can be difficult, trading in an of itself if a simple, non-controlled method of interaction between players and fans.
A successful trade simply requires consent from both parties. If someone doesn't want to trade, they don't have to. If they do, they just do it, no formalities required.
Trading pins come in a few varieties. As you trade, try to get a mix to add variety to your collection. Unless, of course, you prefer on kind. Then stick to those, if you want to!
Soft enamel trading pins are the highest quality pins you'll find. Beautiful and brightly colored, these pins follow the traditional style. Several options are available for soft enamel pins. Feel free to add some fun elements, like blinkers or spinners, or glow-in-the-dark colors.
For this type of pin, each individual design element is stamped into the metal, leaving an indentation that is filled with paint. The pin is then fired and hardened to finish it up and give it a nice luster.
This type of pin provides a lot of variety too, but is made using a different method. Offset printed pins are created by printing the design onto vinyl, Mylar or paper. The design is then applied to the metal pin and secured and protected by a clear epoxy.
Just like soft enamel pins, these pins offer a lot of room for fun additions, including danglers, crystals, and spinners. Offset printed pins offer a different look though, without the thin metal lines that separate the design elements on soft enamel pins.
Offset printed pins are great if you're looking to include fine details, such as players' numbers.
Sometimes you'll find yourself in a pinch as a tournament is coming up. Quick pins are great for these situations.
While they may not offer as much customization, they provide a great pin in a short amount of time. The pins come in basic shapes, such as squares or diamonds, and have simpler designs.
Custom designing allows you to really create pins that are unique to you, your team, and your event. You'll likely start with your team name and logo or mascot. You may even include your team players' names and their numbers.
Once you've got the basics of your design in, consider some fun additional features. Glitter, sliders, danglers, blinkies, and bobbleheads are popular choices. Make a pin that's totally yours by customizing the shape, size, and colors used for your pin.
Team members will love giving input. As you create your pin design for each year, team, or event, let your players give input. You could even operate a contest that ends in creating the winning design.
The fun associated with pin trading doesn't only occur when trading itself happens. Have fun with your design too.
Whether you're a player, a coach, a family member, or a spectator, there's an aspect of softball pin trading for you to enjoy.
Softball trading pins offer something for everyone. You may enjoy the trading itself, while someone else may love the design process. If you're a player, you likely treasure the pins you've received and you're eager to see what you can get from other players.
Whatever aspect of pin trading you enjoy, get out and get involved. Pin trading provides wholesome, uncomplicated fun for all ages. All you need to get started is a pin and the love of the game.
Do you already have a pin design in mind for your team or event? We'd love to help you create it. Contact us today for a free quote!