Cubs Pinback

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Posted By: <b>Mike Kendall</b><p>I purchased this Cubs pinback at the the National as I had never seen one like it before. Wondered if anyone has any information about it. The dealer had several others from different teams so it must have been a set. From the logo, I suspect it is from the 1950's. Thanks.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1221172138.JPG">

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Posted By: <b>Mike H</b><p>I've never seen anything like it. What size are they, can you show the back, any print around the edge? He had several teams with the same design?

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Posted By: <b>Mike Kendall</b><p>It's 1.75 inches across. On the rim it says "Midwest Badge and Nov Co Inc ?? Minn" Can't make out where in Minnesota. Here is a photo of the back:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1221233289.JPG">

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Posted By: <b>Paul Muchinsky</b><p>I can help you with this one. This pin is one of a set, issued in 1961. It was made by a company in Minnesota, and the set was issued to celebrate the Twins arrival into MLB. All the pins (except Minnesota) feature this same oddball design. It appears the company had little grasp of the logos used by the teams. Each logo on these pins is enough to make you look twice. For example, I believe the logo on the Washington Senators pin features a black top hat! I have never seen the use of these logos in any other pins. Perhaps the company (or some other company) issued corresponding pennants with these logos. Maybe the pennant guys have seen them. <br /><br />The Twins pin from this set is unlike the others. Somewhat difficult to describe, but no baseball seams, and an image that says to you, "This is a bit strange". Each pin in the set can be so described.

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Posted By: <b>Mike Kendall</b><p>Thanks Paul. Nothing like getting an answer from "the" expert. I have to assume this set was not widely distributed as I have been collecting Cubs pins for years and have never seen one of these before.

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Posted By: <b>Paul Muchinsky</b><p>Mike,<br /><br />My pleasure--glad I could help. The most common answer I give to a specific pin question involves the phrase "but I'm not sure" or "I don't know".<br /><br />The distribution question you asked is fascinating. Under what circumstance would these pins be distributed? Sold at the ball park as souvenirs? Each visiting A.L. team might be sold during a series, but what is the basis to sell the N.L. team pins? Mail in 25 cents and a boxtop from some product to get one? Maybe, but what product? I think the classic "Crossed Bats" design pins were made individually, were sold at parks (both majors, minors, and Negro Leagues), and collectively are recognized as a "set". They have no identifying information on them regarding their origin. But these pins are different. They were made by a known and identified pin company, and were undoubtedly issued at the same time. But how they were distributed is a mystery. These pins are noted for their being something slightly "off" with the logo. The upper part of the pin shares this same characteristic. Crossed bats and ball design, but the ball is out of proportion to the bats. A strange set indeed.