“Pin-Up” of the Week: 2015 Little League World Series Grand Slam Parade Committee

There are about 300+ pins hanging on my wall.  All pinned to lanyards.  A large chunk of the collection are pins from the Little League World Series.  They all vary in rarity.  One of the harder to find pins that I acquired this year was this 11th Annual 2015 Grand Slam Parade Committee pin.  I’ve never seen this specific pin for sale before.

The Grand Slam Parade has kicked off the Little League World Series for the last 11 years.  Its a big celebration that features every team participating in the World Series.  Plus there are marching bands, antique cars, fire trucks, military equipment, the list just goes on and on.  They usually get a baseball player to be the Grand Marshall.  Over the years they’ve gotten many retired/HOFers to take on that role.  For 2015 they had Jim Leyland.

Its not uncommon for people in the parade to be giving out pins.  Throughout the city of Williamsport there are different places you can buy the annual Grand Slam Parade pin.  For the past seven years these pins have been split into two pieces like a puzzle.  I don’t think the committee pins are made available to the public.  You probably need to be on the committee to get one.  This pin slipped through the cracks.

“Pin-Up” of the Week: 2015 Super Bowl XLIX Host Committee Pin

Will Johnny Manziel be the #1 draft pick?  Could the Dolphins have another perfect season?  Will Ryan Leaf make a comeback and quarterback for the Raiders?  Nobody knows the answers to these questions.  All we know for sure is that Super Bowl XLIX will be played on February 1, 2015 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ.

The Super Bowl is all about merchandising.  The second that clock hits 0:00 QVC and HSN can’t start selling the winning team’s stuff fast enough.  There isn’t much merchandise for Super Bowl XLIX right now, but I’m sure it’ll come.  The only item available now is this host committee pin which isn’t sold to the public.  You’ve gotta know the friend of a friend who’s father is probably high up at the NFL.  Or you could buy one on eBay.  They are currently selling for $20.00 – $30.00.

“Pin-Up” of the Week: Super Bowl XLVIII – Host Committee 1-28-14 – Media Party Pin

If you were lucky enough to make it into the Super Bowl XLVIII Media Party that took place last Tuesday, you know all about this pin.  Individuals that were allowed in, got one of these exclusive pins.  They’re one of the more in demand pins that collectors can obtain since these weren’t sold in retail gift shops.  Most of them sell for between $30.00 and $50.00.

The Super Bowl is one of the most merchandised sporting events.  Given its location this year, you can definitely see that.  Even though the actual game takes place in New Jersey, New York is making out well.  Macy’s Herald Square in New York City created an entire lineup of pins to giveaway leading up to this year’s Super Bowl.  The lines are quite long, but collectors do love their pins.  Not to mention most of the Macy’s Limited Edition pins are selling for $45.00 a piece.

• Macy’s Tervis Travel Mug Super Bowl XLVIII pin
•  Macy’s Nike Super Bowl XLVIII pin
• Macy’s New Era Super Bowl XLVIII pin
• Macy’s Riddell Super Bowl XLVIII pin

“Pin-Up” of the Week: 2014 Super Bowl XLVIII Host Committee Pin

Super Bowl XLVIII is only 267 days away.  It might be a little early to order those pizzas and make the nachos, but the Super Bowl XLVIII host committee is hard at work ensuring all fans attending have a great Super Bowl experience.  This will be the first outdoor, cold weather Super Bowl in the history of the NFL.  The game will take place at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey.  Both New York and New Jersey will be sharing the hosting duties.

This pin has been given to employees of Metlife Stadium and lots of people that are part of the host committee.  They’re selling for about $30.00 to $40.00 right now.

What do you think the odds are of Tim Tebow being the MVP of this Super Bowl?  I think the Marlins should hire him to sit at random spots throughout Marlins Park.  Don’t tell the fans either.  Let them discover him on their own.  That would bring their attendance up.  I hope the marketing people for the Marlins are reading this.

“Pin-Up” of the Week: Super Bowl XLVI Host Committee Pin

I was really hoping that the 49ers would make it to the Super Bowl this year.  Instead it looks as if we’re going to have a repeat of the 2008 Super Bowl.  I hope the Giants win tomorrow because the Patriots have won it enough times.

Earlier this week I thought this pin was given out by the media.  I was completely wrong.  Instead it was given out by the Super Bowl Host Committee after last year’s game.  There are people on eBay trying to pass these off as the Super Bowl XLVI media pins but that’s not true.  One that was advertised as a Host Committee pin recently sold for $25.00.