Planning Cooperstown Team Extras: Pins, Photos, Swag & What’s Actually Worth It

Planning Cooperstown team extras was honestly one of the trickiest parts of getting ready for our week at Cooperstown All Star Village. There were so many optional add-ons, and every family seemed to have a different opinion about what was worth spending money on.

Now that we’ve actually been through the experience, I have some opinions. There were a few extras that ended up being absolutely worth it, a couple I’m really glad we waited to decide on, and a few that I probably wouldn’t spend the money on again.

Every team approaches these decisions differently, and that’s okay. What worked well for our team might not be what another team chooses, but hopefully sharing what we experienced helps make those conversations a little easier.

This guide walks through the most common Cooperstown team extras, what our team decided to do, and what I honestly thought after tournament week was over. Most of what I’m sharing comes from our experience at Cooperstown All Star Village, although many of the same planning decisions apply to teams heading to Cooperstown Dreams Park as well.

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 part of the Cooperstown experience and keep their favorite 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 throughout the week with teams from all over the country.
• Pins become keepsakes that many players save long after the tournament.
• Many teams arrive specifically prepared for trading.

Because of this, trading pins are usually one of the earliest team decisions that needs to be made.

How many pins do teams usually order?

There’s no single rule, and every team has to decide what works best for their players and budget. Some teams order fewer pins, while others order enough for players to trade throughout the entire week.

Common planning ranges often include:

• 60–75 pins per player
• 75–100 pins per player for teams expecting a lot of trading
• Optional sibling pins for brothers or sisters who also want to participate

Our team decided to order 112 pins per player. Looking back after experiencing Cooperstown, I personally think that was way more than most of our players needed. We actually came home with a pile of unopened pins that never got traded, which confirmed that we could have ordered fewer without taking away from the experience.

After watching the boys trade all week, I had plenty of opinions about what worked and what I would change. I share all of those Cooperstown pin trading tips in a separate guide.

Ordering fewer pins is just one thing I’d do differently. I share more in my Cooperstown tournament tips after experiencing our first week.

Cost ranges for Cooperstown trading pins

The cost of trading pins depends on the size, design, quantity, and any special features you choose. Simpler pins are usually much less expensive than premium designs with spinners, danglers, glitter, or other specialty elements.

For our team, our standard pins cost about $1.50 each, while our specialty “rare” pins ranged from about $3.50 to $5.50 each. Those upgrades can add up quickly, especially when you’re ordering a large quantity for every player.

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
• Specialty features like spinners, danglers, glitter, or limited “rare” pins

One thing I noticed after watching the boys trade all week is that what appeals to 12-year-olds isn’t always what adults expect. The fun and unique pins seemed to get the most attention, which is another topic I’ll dive into in my dedicated trading pin guide.

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 one right answer. Every team has different priorities, but having an honest conversation about both the quantity and the overall budget before ordering can help avoid surprises later.

Cooperstown Team Extras: Team Banners

Team banners are another Cooperstown team extra that often comes up during planning. Most teams carry their banner during Opening Ceremonies and then hang it on the dugout fence throughout tournament week. It quickly becomes part of your team’s identity around the complex.

Why teams consider a banner

• They help identify your team during Opening Ceremonies.
• They make it easy to find your team’s dugout area.
• They create a fun backdrop for team photos.
• They become a keepsake 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′ x 5′ to 4′ x 6′.
• Vinyl banners are the most popular option because they’re:
  • Weather-resistant
  • Durable for outdoor use
  • Easy to wipe clean
• Grommets make it easy to hang the banner on fences.

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

What teams usually include on a banner

Most banners include:

• Team name
• Tournament year
• Team logo or mascot
• Hometown and state

One thing I really enjoyed was seeing where every team had traveled from. Since all of the players wear their Cooperstown uniforms during the week, the banners became one of the easiest ways to see each team’s name and hometown. It was always fun to realize a team had traveled from across the country to be there.

Cost ranges for team banners

Pricing depends on the size, material, and design, but many teams spend somewhere between $40 and $100 for a custom banner. Rush orders, shipping, and custom artwork can increase the price.

Planning considerations for teams

When deciding on a banner, teams often discuss:

• Size
• Material
• Design
• Who will order it
• How it will be transported to Cooperstown

Before we arrived, I wasn’t sure how important a banner would actually be. After spending the week at Cooperstown All Star Village, I’m really glad our team had one. Nearly every team carried their banner during Opening Ceremonies, and afterward most teams hung them on the dugout fence throughout the week. Looking back, this is one Cooperstown team extra I definitely think was worth it.

It didn’t take long before we realized there was so much more to enjoy beyond the games, and many of our favorite activities at All Star Village happened between first pitch and the final out.

If you’re planning banners and spirit gear, it also helps to understand how the first day unfolds before you arrive.

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 handled by the host organization and may change from year to year. The information below is based on our experience at Cooperstown All Star Village.

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 our experience, families can usually choose from several different options, including:

Individual Action Packages

• Guaranteed coverage of two games (we actually ended up with photos from three games)
• Digital action photos of your player
• Can be purchased individually without the entire team participating

Team Action Packages

• Team-wide action photography
• Coverage of multiple games
• Digital action photos included
• Team group photos are typically purchased separately

Team Group Photo

Many teams also choose to purchase a large team photo.

For our team, each player was photographed individually, and those photos were combined into a large panoramic-style team photo. We also purchased the photo mat, which included the team photo along with each player’s individual picture. We decided to skip the individual posed player photo since we already had the larger team keepsake.

Photo Packages at Cooperstown Dreams Park

Photography offerings at Cooperstown Dreams Park are handled separately and differ from All Star Village. Package options, pricing, and ordering timelines may vary each year, so it’s always best to review the information provided directly by the tournament.

Planning notes for families

For me, the photo packages were my favorite Cooperstown team extra.

We purchased the individual action package, and it was completely worth it. Even though the package guaranteed photos from two games, we ended up with coverage from three games and received around 350 digital photos.

Yes, there were quite a few similar shots, but there were also so many images that I absolutely love. The photographers did an incredible job capturing moments I never could have from the stands, whether it was batting, fielding, running the bases, or celebrating with teammates.

Looking back, these photos have become some of my favorite Cooperstown souvenirs from the entire week. If I had to prioritize where to spend money on Cooperstown team extras, professional action photos would be at the very top of my list.

If you’re trying to decide whether the action photos are worth the extra cost, I shared exactly what we received in my photo package review after buying it ourselves.

Cooperstown Team Extras: Apparel & Gear

When planning Cooperstown team extras, apparel is usually one of the first things families discuss because it isn’t always clear what’s included and what’s optional.

One helpful thing to know is that players already receive most of their official game-day gear as part of the Cooperstown All Star Village experience. Jerseys, hats, socks, and warm-up jackets are provided, so families mainly need to bring baseball pants, a belt, and the other essentials players use throughout the week.

For everything beyond the tournament-issued gear, I also put together a practical shopping guide with the products we actually found helpful for both players and parents.

Upgraded Fitted Hats

One optional upgrade many teams consider is switching to the fitted DOME hats.

Originally, I wasn’t convinced we should order them before arriving. Since the upgraded hats become the official game hat if the entire team chooses them, I wanted everyone to have the chance to try them on first. We’ve received team hats in the past that didn’t fit well, so I wasn’t comfortable guessing on sizing.

Once we arrived at Cooperstown, though, we noticed it seemed like almost every team was wearing the upgraded fitted hats. Our team decided to make the switch, and I’m glad we waited until we were there so everyone could find the right size.

Personally, I thought the standard tournament hat was perfectly fine, but the boys definitely preferred the fitted hats. Looking back, it ended up being one of the Cooperstown team extras they were happiest we chose.

Team Apparel

Our team also had personalized Cooperstown T-shirts made before the trip. The boys wore them when we visited the Baseball Hall of Fame, and it was fun seeing everyone together in matching shirts.

Those matching shirts made for some great photos, and I share more about our experience inside the Hall of Fame if you’re planning to visit during tournament week.

I don’t think custom team shirts are a must-have, especially if your players already have plenty of team apparel. That said, they were a nice addition and gave everyone something special to wear outside of their baseball uniforms. For our team, it was a fun extra, but not one I’d consider essential.

While team apparel is one option, families also have a lot of fun with Cooperstown spirit gear during Opening Ceremonies and throughout tournament week.

Things like trading pins, banners, fitted hats, and team traditions make a lot more sense once you understand how tournament week actually functions, which is why I also shared what to expect at Cooperstown All Star Village from a practical family perspective.

Cooperstown Team Extras: Fatheads & Displays

Fatheads, or player cutouts, are one of those Cooperstown team extras you’ll notice almost immediately after arriving. Many teams have them, and they’re especially popular during Opening Ceremonies.

While they’re completely optional, they definitely add to the team spirit and make it easy to spot your players in the crowd.

How teams usually handle Fatheads

Teams handle Fatheads in different ways.

• Some teams have every family order one so the display is consistent.
• Others leave it up to each family to decide.
• They’re commonly used during Opening Ceremonies and are often displayed during games.

Our team decided to have one made for every player, so we all carried them during Opening Ceremonies. Throughout the week, some parents brought them to every game, while others only brought them occasionally. Whenever families brought them, they were usually propped up along the dugout fence, which added a fun touch during the games.

Cost and logistics to consider

For our team, the pricing was:

• 12 × 18-inch Fathead: $25
• 18 × 22-inch Fathead: $32

Our team chose the larger size, although I had been hoping we’d go with the smaller version.

Looking back, I still think my original instinct was right. The larger Fathead looked great during Opening Ceremonies, but I found it a little cumbersome to carry around the complex. I only ended up bringing it to a couple of games because of its size. If we had chosen the smaller version, I probably would have carried it much more often throughout the week.

That said, I’m still glad we did them. They were fun for the boys, looked great lined up together during Opening Ceremonies, and added a little extra personality around the dugout during games.

Cooperstown Team Extras: Swag Buckets & Bags

Swag buckets or bags are another Cooperstown team extra that some teams choose to put together for players staying on site. These are typically filled with a mix of practical items, personalized gifts, and fun extras to make tournament week a little more memorable.

Like most team extras, there’s no right or wrong approach. Some teams love putting them together, while others decide to skip them altogether.

Why teams consider swag buckets or bags

• They can help players organize personal items in the bunkhouses.
• Buckets can double as a seat during downtime.
• They add to the excitement when players arrive.
• They can be personalized with team colors or player names.

What teams commonly include

Every team does something different based on their budget and what they think the players will enjoy.

Some buckets focus on practical items like cooling towels, shower slides, small fans, sunscreen, bug spray, toiletries, or snacks. Others include fun extras such as custom blankets, team shirts, eye black, baseball gifts, trading pin books, or other keepsakes.

One thing to keep in mind is that not every item people recommend makes sense for every Cooperstown tournament. For example, some teams heading to Cooperstown Dreams Park include snacks in their swag bags because players can keep food in their barracks. At Cooperstown All Star Village, however, players aren’t allowed to have food in the bunkhouses, so snack-filled swag bags aren’t nearly as practical. If your team is attending All Star Village, it’s worth thinking through whether some of those commonly suggested items will actually be useful.

Planning considerations before you commit

Swag buckets sound simple at first, but there are a few things to think about before your team commits.

Personalized items can make the buckets feel more special, but they also increase both the cost and the amount of work involved. Someone has to purchase everything, assemble the buckets, and transport them to Cooperstown.

Looking back after our week at Cooperstown, this is probably the one Cooperstown team extra I would be most likely to skip. We did swag buckets, and while they were fun when the boys first received them, my son was much more excited about spending his money on souvenirs around the complex than the items that came in the bucket.

He did tell me that some of the boys used the buckets as seats while they watched a movie one night in the bunkhouse, so they were somewhat used. But with 14 players sharing one cabin, there was already a lot of gear packed into a relatively small space, and 14 buckets definitely added to the clutter.

Every team is different, but if you’re trying to prioritize where to spend your budget, I’d personally put that money toward other Cooperstown team extras or let the boys pick out souvenirs they’ll remember from the trip.

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.

Cooperstown Team Extras: Spirit Gear

Another optional Cooperstown team extra that often comes up during planning is spirit gear for Opening Ceremonies and the team spirit competition.

Some teams coordinate every detail, while others take a much more relaxed approach. Our team shared ideas and links, and each family decided how much or how little they wanted to participate. Some people bought wigs, tutus, beads, eye black, pom-poms, cowbells, and other fun accessories, while others kept it simple with a team shirt or just a few items.

The spirit gear didn’t stop after Opening Ceremonies, either. Some parents brought their pom-poms, cowbells, and other cheering gear to games throughout the week, which made the atmosphere even more fun for the boys.

We had a great time during the spirit competition, but this is definitely one of those areas where I’d say, “You do you.”There isn’t a right or wrong way to participate. Some families love going all out, while others are perfectly happy keeping it simple. Either way, everyone is there for the same reason—to cheer on their players and enjoy the week together.

If you’re planning a budget for Cooperstown team extras, this is one area where you can spend as much or as little as you’d like and still have a great time.

Team Meals, Events & On-Site Extras

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

On opening day at Cooperstown All Star Village, there is a BBQ for players and coaches. Parents and siblings usually eat separately that first day, often grabbing something from the food trucks or concession stands around the complex.

Many teams also choose to have a team dinner during the week. Our team planned ours on Hall of Fame day, and it was a nice chance for everyone to spend time together away from the baseball fields.

All Star Village also offers optional activities throughout the week for both players’ families and siblings. Some of the siblings in our group participated in a paid craft activity and goat yoga, while a few of the moms, including me, signed up for the free Mom’s Home Run Derby. (I even managed to hit a home run!) There was also a cornhole tournament and other activities offered during the week.

The activities offered can vary from year to year, so it’s worth checking the schedule once your tournament week gets closer. Whether you decide to participate or simply spend your free time watching baseball, it’s nice knowing there are extra activities available throughout the week.

What We Learned While Planning Our Team Extras

Looking back, I think the biggest lesson was that flexibility matters. Team extras are one of the few parts of the Cooperstown experience where families can have very different priorities, and that’s okay. Some families are excited to participate in every extra, while others would rather be selective and save part of their budget for experiences during the week or souvenirs from Cooperstown itself.

I also learned that making these decisions as a team isn’t always easy. With so many different opinions, it’s impossible for every family to get exactly what they would choose on their own. Sometimes the team goes in a different direction than you would have personally preferred, and that’s just part of planning a trip like this.

Looking back, there are a few extras I’d make the same choices on and a few I’d probably do differently. But even when I didn’t completely agree with every decision, none of it took away from the experience itself. The week was about so much more than the extras.

If I could give one piece of advice, it would be not to feel like every optional extra is a must-have. Spend money on the things that matter most to your team, but don’t forget to leave room for the experiences and souvenirs that make Cooperstown special once you get there.

Final Thoughts on Cooperstown Team Extras

Planning Cooperstown team extras can feel overwhelming at first because there are so many optional decisions to make. The good news is that there isn’t one right way to do it.

After spending the week at Cooperstown All Star Village, I can honestly say the extras added to the experience, but they didn’t define it. Whether your team goes all out or keeps things simple, the memories your player makes with teammates will be what everyone talks about long after the tournament is over.

Hopefully, sharing what worked well for our team, along with the things I’d do a little differently next time, helps make your own planning a little easier. Pick the extras that fit your team’s priorities, don’t stress over the rest, and enjoy every minute of the week. It really is a special experience.

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.

📌 Save This Post for Later

Planning a trip to Cooperstown? Save this guide on Pinterest so you can find it easily when you’re ready to plan!

Photography Disclosure: Professional action photos of our son courtesy of Glossy Finish and used with permission. All other family photos were captured by Stack the Miles unless otherwise noted. Select scenic and landmark images are courtesy of trusted stock sources and tourism archives.

Sharing is caring!