Best Baseball Medals and Top Baseball Medal Companies for Leagues and Tournaments

Ordering baseball medals sounds simple until you’re actually doing it  comparing suppliers, figuring out the right size, deciding whether engraving is worth the extra cost, and trying to get everything delivered before picture day. Whether you’re running a recreational Little League, a competitive travel ball program, or a high school tournament, the medals you hand out are the physical memory players take home. This guide covers what actually matters when buying baseball medals, highlights the best options from Viking Awards, and lists the top suppliers worth considering.

What Makes a Good Baseball Medal Worth Keeping

Most players can tell within three seconds of holding a medal whether it’s something they’ll keep or something they’ll toss. The weight is the first signal. Die-cast zinc alloy medals have a density that stamped metals don’t replicate, and that heft communicates quality before anyone reads the engraving. The finish is next  antique gold, antique silver, and antique bronze look more distinguished and age better than bright plated finishes that chip and dull over time.

Size matters more than most organizers expect. A 1 3/4″ medal works fine for younger recreational players, but at the travel ball or high school level, anything under 2″ can feel underwhelming. For championship recognition or individual awards, moving to a 2 1/2″ or 2 3/4″ medal makes a visible difference in how the award is received  and how long it stays on a shelf rather than ending up in a junk drawer.

Customization is where a generic medal becomes a real keepsake. Engraving the player’s name, team name, year, and event name transforms a stock piece into something personal. Combine that with a custom neck ribbon in your team colors and the whole award feels intentional. For leagues that want to go further, full custom die-cast medals are available for larger orders  your logo, your design, your event.

Key Buying Factors for Baseball Medals

Material and Finish

Die-cast zinc alloy is the standard for quality sports medals. Antique finishes  gold, silver, bronze  hold up better over time and photograph well, which matters now that every awards ceremony ends up on social media. Bright finishes are an option, but they tend to show wear faster. If longevity and presentation matter, antique is the safer call.

Size Selection

Match the medal size to the level of competition and the age group. For youth recreational leagues, 1 3/4″ participation medals are appropriate and cost-effective at volume. For competitive travel ball, tournament championships, or older players, 2 1/2″ or larger is the right choice. It’s common and smart to tier your medal sizes within the same event  larger for champions and runners-up, standard for all participants.

Turnaround Time

This is where a lot of leagues get burned. Most quality suppliers need two to three weeks for engraved orders. Rush production is available, but it adds cost and stress. Get your order placed at least three weeks before you need it. If you’re running a tournament with a tight schedule, confirm lead times directly with your supplier before committing.

Customization Options

At minimum, look for back engraving on the medal. Step-up options include front engraving on laserable medal faces, custom neck ribbons, and full custom die-cast production for larger orders. The more personalized the award, the more it means to the recipient. Engraving costs are modest relative to the per-unit medal price and are almost always worth adding.

Budget and Volume

Per-unit pricing drops significantly with volume. If you’re ordering for an entire league across multiple divisions, get a quote based on total quantity. Spreading orders across multiple smaller purchases leaves money on the table. Budget-friendly medals in the $5 range are entirely appropriate for participation recognition  the goal is to allocate more per unit for top finishers and keep participation awards lean.

Baseball Medal Options Worth Considering from Viking Awards

The following medals are pulled from Viking Awards’ baseball and softball catalog. The selection covers entry-level participation options through premium competition pieces, giving you flexibility regardless of your event type or budget.

1 3/4″ Antique Gold Baseball/Softball Shooting Star Medal

A reliable, cost-effective option for youth leagues and participation recognition. The shooting star design is clean and classic, and the antique gold finish gives it a more refined look than the average cheap participation medal. At this price point, it’s practical for high-volume orders without sacrificing appearance. View this medal at Viking Awards.

1 3/4″ Antique Silver Baseball/Softball Shooting Star Medal

The silver variant of the same design, ideal for second-place recognition or as a uniform participation award when you want a single finish across the board. Pairs naturally with the gold for leagues that want a simple top-two distinction. View this medal at Viking Awards.

1 3/4″ Antique Bronze Baseball/Softball Shooting Star Medal

The third piece of the small-format podium set. Ordering gold, silver, and bronze in the same shooting star design keeps the event visually cohesive while still creating meaningful distinction between placement levels. View this medal at Viking Awards.

2 1/2″ Antique Gold Baseball/Softball Shooting Star Medal

The larger format gold  noticeably more substantial in hand and far more impressive on display. For competitive leagues, travel ball, or any tournament where first place means something, this is the minimum you should be handing out. Players and parents notice the size jump. View this medal at Viking Awards.

2 1/2″ Antique Silver Baseball/Softball Shooting Star Medal

Pairs with the large gold for a matching top-two set. At this size, the distinction between first and second is visible from across the room, which is exactly what you want at an awards ceremony where families are watching. View this medal at Viking Awards.

2 1/4″ Antique Bronze Baseball/Softball Laserable Flame Medal

A step up in design from the shooting star series. The flame motif is more visually dynamic, and the laserable surface allows for custom engraving directly on the medal face rather than just the back  which creates a much more polished finished product. A strong choice for any league that wants its awards to look intentional. View this medal at Viking Awards.

2 1/4″ Bright Gold Baseball/Softball Laserable Flame Medal

The bright gold version of the flame medal, for leagues or tournaments that want a shinier, more modern finish rather than the antique look. The laserable face still allows for full custom engraving, giving you design flexibility alongside a different aesthetic. View this medal at Viking Awards.

2 3/4″ Bright Bronze Baseball/Softball Starbrite Medal

One of the larger stock medal options in the lineup. The Starbrite design is bold and tournament-appropriate, and at 2 3/4″ it carries enough presence to serve as a meaningful top-finisher award. A solid pick for leagues that want something a little different from the standard shooting star or flame designs. View this medal at Viking Awards.

10 1/2″ Baseball/Softball Cobra Award

Not a medal, but worth mentioning for leagues that want to recognize top players or champions with something beyond a ribbon medal. The Cobra award is a full trophy-style piece  the kind that gets displayed on a shelf rather than tucked in a bag. Ideal as an MVP, player of the year, or championship award alongside a standard medal set for the rest of the team. View this award at Viking Awards.

Where to Buy Baseball Medals: Top Companies

Finding a reliable baseball medal supplier comes down to three things: quality you can count on, customization that works, and a team that actually delivers on time. These are the companies that consistently hold up in all three areas.

1. Viking Awards

Viking Awards, based in Westchester, Illinois, is a well-established custom awards company with deep experience in the youth and competitive sports market. Their baseball and softball medal catalog covers the full range  from budget-friendly participation medals to premium competition pieces  and their in-house engraving means you’re not dealing with a fulfillment center that farms out the work. Leagues that need consistent quality across a high-volume order, custom neck ribbons, or personalized player engraving consistently come back to Viking Awards. They also carry a full range of complementary recognition products including crystal awards, acrylic awards, trophies, and plaques  which matters when you need more than just medals for an end-of-season banquet. Reach them at (630) 833-1733 or browse the full baseball catalog at viking-awards.com.

2. Crown Awards

One of the larger national award suppliers in the country, Crown Awards offers an extensive baseball medal catalog with solid online ordering for bulk purchases. Their customization options are broad, shipping is generally fast, and they cover most price points. For straightforward high-volume orders where you know exactly what you want, they’re a reliable option.

3. Hodges Badge Company

Hodges specializes in medals, pins, and badges, and their sports medal selection is well-regarded in the youth baseball market. They offer both stock and custom die-cast medals, which makes them a good fit for tournaments that want a signature piece rather than a catalog design. Lead times on custom work are longer, so plan accordingly.

4. Trophy Depot

Trophy Depot focuses on the budget end of the market and does it reasonably well. For recreational leagues that need participation medals at the lowest possible per-unit cost, they’re a workable option. Finish quality and heft aren’t quite at the level of more specialized suppliers, but for leagues where budget is the primary constraint, they cover the basics.

Disclaimer: The companies listed above reflect editorial opinion only and are not ranked in any particular order of preference or quality. This list is independent and should not be taken as an official endorsement or ranking. Evaluate each supplier based on your specific needs, timeline, and budget.

Common Mistakes Leagues Make When Ordering Baseball Medals

Ordering too late is the single most common problem. Engraved orders typically need two to three weeks. Rush fees are real and add up fast. Get your order in a minimum of three weeks before your event  more if you’re ordering a large quantity or custom work.

Skipping engraving is a mistake that seems like a cost-saver and isn’t. The per-unit engraving cost is small, and the difference between a blank medal and one with a player’s name, team, and year on it is enormous in terms of how it’s received and kept. If budget is tight, reduce the per-unit medal cost to make room for engraving rather than dropping engraving entirely.

Using one size for everyone flattens the recognition. When the champion and the last-place participant get the same medal, it sends the wrong message at a competitive event. Tiering your medals  larger or more premium for top finishers, standard for participation  costs a little more but makes the awards ceremony mean something.

Not proofing the engraving text is how you end up with 150 medals with a typo or the wrong year. Always confirm the exact copy in writing before approving. Double-check spelling, team names, and dates. A reprint is expensive and rarely lands before your event date.

Ordering neck ribbons as an afterthought is a common small oversight. A well-chosen ribbon color that matches your team or event branding ties the whole award together. Deciding this at the last minute often means settling for whatever is in stock.

How to Choose the Right Baseball Medal for Your Event

Start by being clear about what the award is for and who’s receiving it. A 7-year-old recreational player and a 16-year-old travel ball all-star have genuinely different expectations, and the award should reflect that. For younger or recreational leagues, a 1 3/4″ participation medal at a competitive per-unit price is entirely appropriate. For competitive play, move to a 2 1/2″ or larger medal with engraving.

Think about your total quantity before settling on a design. Volume pricing can significantly reduce per-unit cost, so if you’re ordering across multiple divisions or teams, consolidate your order and get a quote based on the full number. Then decide how much to allocate to top-finisher medals versus participation awards.

If your event includes individual recognition beyond placement  MVP, golden glove, best pitcher, most improved  consider pairing those awards with a trophy or plaque rather than just a different-colored medal. It creates a clear and meaningful distinction between team and individual achievement.

Give yourself time. The best award companies do their best work when they’re not rushed. Order early, review the proof carefully, and confirm your delivery date before assuming everything is on track.

Final Thoughts

Baseball medals are a small line item in the overall cost of running a league or tournament, but they’re one of the things players actually take home and keep. Getting it right  the right size for the level of play, the right finish, the right engraving  takes a bit of planning but isn’t complicated. Work with a supplier that knows the sports awards space, give yourself lead time, and don’t skip the engraving.

Viking Awards carries a full range of baseball and softball medals, trophies, and custom engraving services for leagues and tournaments of every size. To place an order or get help choosing the right options for your event, call (630) 833-1733 or visit viking-awards.com.