Planning Cooperstown Team Extras: Pins, Banners, Photo Packages & Optional Add-Ons

Planning a Cooperstown tournament trip comes with a lot of decisions, and team extras are usually where things start to feel overwhelming.

As we prepare for our team’s trip, I’ve been researching the different extras teams commonly talk about, from trading pins and banners to photo packages and other add-ons. This is one of those topics that seems to come up in almost every team conversation at some point.

Every team approaches these decisions differently, and this post shares the items that often come up during planning. It pulls together what I’ve learned so our team (and other families planning Cooperstown) can ask questions and decide what options make sense for them.

One thing I’ve also learned while researching is that Cooperstown All Star Village and Cooperstown Dreams Park sometimes handle extras, apparel, photography, and on-site logistics differently.

This post is based mostly on information connected to Cooperstown All Star Village, although many of the same general planning conversations happen for teams attending Dreams Park too.

If you’re planning a trip, you can find all of my tips in this Cooperstown baseball page for families.

Cooperstown Team Extras: Trading Pins

Trading pins are one of the most commonly discussed Cooperstown team extras and a well-known part of tournament culture. Teams bring custom baseball pins to trade with other teams throughout the week, and pin trading happens constantly around the fields, in common areas, and between games. Many players look forward to this aspect of the Cooperstown experience and keep their pins long after the tournament ends.

This was one of the first extras our team talked about during planning, and it’s often one of the first questions families have when preparing for Cooperstown.

Why teams consider trading pins

• Pin trading is a long-standing Cooperstown tradition
• Players trade multiple times per day throughout the week
• Pins become keepsakes kids often save for years
• Many teams arrive specifically prepared for trading

Because of this, pin trading is usually one of the earliest extras discussed during team planning.

How many pins do teams usually order?

There’s no single rule, but many teams today plan for higher quantities than they did in the past, especially if players are excited about trading.

Common planning ranges include:

• 60–75 pins per player – very common
• 75–100 pins per player – higher-end option for frequent traders
• Optional sibling pins: Some teams also order an additional 20–50 pins for siblings who want to participate in trading

Some teams choose to order two pin designs, such as a standard team pin and a limited or “rare” pin. Players often enjoy giving input on designs, and most pin vendors can help guide teams through options and pricing.

Cost ranges for Cooperstown trading pins

Pricing depends on size, style, and quantity, but typical estimates include:

• $2–$5 per pin

Approximate cost ranges per player:

• 60 pins → $120–$240
• 80 pins → $160–$320

The cost varies based on quantity, design details, setup fees, shipping, and whether rush orders are needed.

Design options teams often discuss

Trading pins can range from simple to very detailed. Teams commonly consider:

• Team name and year
• Logo or mascot
• Player number

Some teams choose one standard design, while others add features like spinners, danglers, or glow elements. These design upgrades increase cost, so it’s helpful to discuss expectations early.

Planning considerations for teams

When deciding on trading pins, teams often talk through:

• Quantity per player
• Design preferences
• Target budget per family
• Ordering timeline

There’s no requirement to go big. Some teams choose simple, tradable designs that stay within budget, while others enjoy creating more detailed pins. Either approach still allows players to fully participate in pin trading during the week.

Cooperstown Team Extras: Team Banners

Team banners are another Cooperstown team extra that often comes up during planning. Many teams bring a banner to display near their dugout area or along fencing around the fields. Banners are usually used as a visual way to show team pride and are often included in team photos during the week.

Why teams consider a banner

• Banners are highly visible around the fields
• They help identify your team’s area during games
• Many teams use them as a backdrop for group photos
• Banners can be kept as a souvenir after the tournament

Typical banner size and materials

While sizes can vary, many teams choose banners that are easy to hang and transport:

• Common sizes range from 3×5 feet to 4×6 feet
• Vinyl banners are the most popular option
  • Weather-resistant
  • Durable for outdoor use
  • Easy to wipe clean
• Grommets are usually added for easy hanging on fences

Some teams opt for fabric banners, but vinyl tends to hold up better during a full week outdoors.

What teams usually include on a banner

Designs are typically simple and easy to read from a distance. Common elements include:

• Team name
• Year of the tournament
• Team logo or mascot
• Home town or state

Because banners are often displayed outside, bold fonts and high-contrast colors are usually preferred.

Cost ranges for team banners

Pricing depends on size, material, and design, but typical estimates include:

• $40–$100 per banner
• Additional costs may apply for:
  • Custom artwork
  • Rush orders
  • Shipping

Compared to other extras, banners are often considered a mid-range cost item.

Planning considerations for teams

When deciding whether to order a banner, teams often discuss:

• Whether they want a banner at all
• Preferred size and material
• Design simplicity versus detail
• How it will be transported to and from the tournament

Some teams love having a banner for photos and visibility, while others choose to skip it and focus on other extras instead.

Another extra teams often discuss early on is photo packages, especially for families who want professional images from the tournament week.

Cooperstown Team Extras: Photo Packages

Photo packages are one of the Cooperstown team extras that can look very different depending on the tournament venue. Photography services, package options, and pricing are typically handled by the host organization and may change from year to year. The information below is meant to give families a general sense of how photo packages are commonly offered, using recent examples shared during team planning. If you follow my blog, you can probably tell I’m a picture person. Since photos are how I hold onto these moments, this is one extra I wouldn’t personally skip, even knowing the cost.

Photo Packages at All Star Village

For teams attending All Star Village, photography services are provided by Glossy Finish, the official on-site photography provider. Package details and ordering information are typically emailed to organizations ahead of the tournament.

Based on information recently shared with teams, photo package options have included:

Individual Action Packages

• Coverage across two games
• Digital action photos of the player
• Recent pricing shared with teams has been listed around $175 per player, with higher on-site pricing if not purchased in advance

This option is often chosen by families who want professional action photos without committing to a team-wide package.

Team Action Packages

• Coverage across three games
• Digital action photos included
• Recent team package pricing has been listed at approximately $1,895 per team
• Team group photos are typically not included and are offered separately

Team action packages are usually available only before the event begins and are designed for teams that want consistent photography coverage throughout the week.

Team group photo option at All Star Village

In addition to action photography, teams may also be offered a separate group photo option:

• Photos taken during check-in or move-in day
• Each player photographed individually
• Images combined into an oversized custom team photo (commonly 8″ × 24″)
• Recent pricing has been listed at around $40 per player
• A minimum number of participants is often required

This option allows families to purchase a coordinated team photo without scheduling a separate group session during games.

Photo Packages at Cooperstown Dreams Park

Photography offerings at Cooperstown Dreams Park are handled separately and differ from All Star Village. Photo packages are typically coordinated through Dreams Park’s photography partners, with details shared directly with teams closer to their tournament week or during on-site check-in.

While offerings may include individual player photos, team photos, and action shots, specific package types, pricing, and ordering timelines can vary by year. Because of this, many teams wait until official information is released before deciding which photo options, if any, they want to pursue.

Planning notes for families

Because photo packages are priced either per player or as an optional team purchase, many teams treat photography as an opt-in extra. Families often review package details once they are shared by the tournament organization and decide what fits their budget and preferences.

Before You Order

Pricing and availability for Cooperstown photo packages can vary by venue and year. Families should always confirm current details directly with their tournament organization before purchasing.

Cooperstown Team Extras: Apparel & Gear

When planning Cooperstown team extras, gear and apparel are usually one of the first things families ask about, mostly because it’s not always clear what players actually need versus what’s already included. One helpful thing to know upfront is that official game-day gear is already provided as part of the Cooperstown package. Players and coaches receive tournament jerseys, hats, socks, warm-up jackets, so the only additional apparel needed are pants and a belt to be tournament-ready.

Some teams also choose to upgrade their official Cooperstown hats. At All Star Village, if a team wants to use the upgraded fitted hats during games, the entire team has to participate because it becomes the official game hat for everyone.

If only individual players want the fitted hat as a souvenir or extra hat, they can still buy one separately and switch into it outside of games.

The upgraded hats currently use DOME headwear, and sizing information is available during the ordering process through the Cooperstown website.

Because the fitted hats become part of the official uniform if used during games, teams usually make this decision fairly early.

Cooperstown Team Extras: Fatheads & Displays

Fat Heads, or player cutouts, are one of those Cooperstown team extras families often notice through photos or social media. These are large cutouts of individual players, usually showing a headshot or action pose, that are displayed around team areas and are especially popular during the Opening Day team spirit competition.

While they’re fun and eye-catching, Fat Heads are not required, and teams handle them in different ways.

How teams usually handle Fatheads

• Some teams decide to have all families participate so the look is consistent for team spirit events
• Other teams leave it up to individual families who want to order one
• Cutouts are mainly used for cheering, photos, and Opening Day activities

Cost and logistics to consider

• Common pricing is around $20 per cutout for an 18″ size
• Waterproof materials are recommended due to outdoor use
• For families who are flying to Cooperstown, Fat Heads can be cumbersome to pack and travel with, which is one reason many teams choose to keep this optional or allow families to decide individually.

Cooperstown Team Extras: Swag Buckets & Bags

Swag buckets or bags are another Cooperstown team extra that some teams choose to do, for players staying on site. These are typically filled with a mix of practical items and fun extras meant to make the week more comfortable or memorable. For many teams, swag buckets are less about tradition and more about convenience and team spirit.

Swag buckets are entirely optional, and teams approach them in very different ways.

Why teams consider swag buckets or bags

• Buckets or bags can help players keep personal items organized in bunk rooms
• Buckets often double as seating in player housing
• Swag items can be used throughout the week, not just taken home
• Some teams enjoy the collaborative aspect of families contributing items

Because players are living on site for the week, practical items tend to be more useful than novelty items.

Thinking through what’s actually needed ahead of time helps avoid overbuying, especially when you already know what to pack for tournament weekends as a parent.

What teams commonly include

Contents vary widely depending on budget and team preferences, but common items include:

• Shower slides or flip flops
• Towels or cooling towels
• Small fans
• Pillowcases or bedding extras
• Hanging organizers
• Eye black
• Sunscreen, bug spray, or ponchos
• Pin books

Some teams keep items very simple, while others personalize buckets or bags with player names or numbers.

Personalization and logistics to consider

Personalized swag (such as names, numbers, or team logos) can add a fun touch, but it also increases both cost and time. Teams often discuss:

• Whether someone has access to a Cricut or similar equipment
• Who will handle personalization and assembly
• How items will be transported to and from Cooperstown
• Whether items will be distributed before arrival or on-site

These logistical considerations are often just as important as the items themselves.

Cost ranges and planning approach

There’s no standard cost for swag buckets or bags. Expenses vary greatly depending on the number of items, level of personalization, and whether families contribute individually.

Some teams ask each family to purchase a few items, while others set a per-player budget and handle everything as a group. Because of the wide cost range, many teams decide on swag later in the planning process or choose to skip it altogether.

Swag buckets can be a fun addition, but they’re best viewed as a nice-to-have, not a must-have. Teams that keep swag simple often find it meets players’ needs just as well as more elaborate setups.

For families who enjoy small baseball-themed extras, I’ve shared ideas in these baseball stocking stuffer ideas for kids and teens, that can also work for team gifts or tournament keepsakes, and a full list of must-have gear for sports parents during travel tournaments.

Team Meals, Events & On-Site Extras

In addition to physical items like pins and banners, teams often discuss meals, activities, and on-site events during Cooperstown week.

On opening-day at All Star Village, there is a BBQ for players and coaches. Parents and siblings usually end up eating separately that first day, often from the food trucks on site.

Some teams choose to do a team dinner later in the week. Our team is planning to do ours on the day we visit the Hall of Fame, and we’re making reservations early.

All Star Village also offers special optional events throughout the week, such as parent competitions, kids’ activities, and novelty events. These vary by year, may have limited availability, and often open for sign-ups shortly before the tournament begins.

Because these extras are time- and availability-dependent, many teams wait until schedules are released before deciding which events, if any, they want to participate in.

Final Thoughts on Cooperstown Team Extras

When planning Cooperstown team extras, it’s easy to feel like there’s a long list of things teams could do. Pins, banners, photos, apparel, cutouts, and extras all get discussed at some point, and every team approaches these decisions differently.

What matters most is remembering that none of these extras define the Cooperstown experience. The tournament itself, the games, and the memories made with teammates are what players tend to remember long after the week is over.

For our team, this post is meant to be a way to look at the common extras that come up during planning, understand what’s typically offered, and talk through what makes sense for our group. Some teams go all in on extras, some keep things very simple, and both approaches are completely valid.

If you’re planning a Cooperstown trip, this guide can serve as a starting point, not a checklist. The right choices are the ones that fit your team’s priorities, budget, and overall approach to the week. No matter what extras a team chooses, Cooperstown is still a special experience, and the focus will always be on the baseball.

If you’re still working through the logistics of getting to Cooperstown, I’ve shared how families can approach travel and lodging using points and miles in this breakdown of using rewards for a Cooperstown trip. To see how team extras fit into the bigger picture, this full Cooperstown budget breakdown walks through the range of costs families typically face during tournament week, and how it all adds up.

Thinking through where you’re staying ahead of time can also make the rest of the week easier to manage, especially with changing schedules, so these hotel tips for tournament weekends are worth a quick look.

Along with deciding on team extras and add-ons, families also need to think through what players and parents should bring for the week, which I break down in this Cooperstown packing list for families. And since long summer days at the fields are part of the experience, we’ve also shared what actually helps with heat and sun at Cooperstown.

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