Posted By:
Paul MuchinskyMike,
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".
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.