Pitch Perfect! MLB Pitchers' Challenge Coins

Custom challenge coins have long been popular among military units, public service agencies, businesses and other organizations. Sports teams at many amateur levels have used them to promote camaraderie, boost morale and increase participation.

The Appeal of Challenge Coins

It's easy to see why challenge coins are so popular in so many areas. They’re an economical, portable way to feel like part of a group. When well designed, they’re actually miniature works of art. They signify belonging in a way you can carry with you every day, or display on a desk or in a case. 

Coins Go to The Show

Last year, challenge coins hit the big leagues – literally, thanks to Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals. As reported by the Washington Post, the team’s starting pitchers have created their own custom challenge coins.

The Starting Pitcher

The idea for the coins began with pitcher Trevor Williams, now in his fourth year with the Nationals. According to the Post, Williams thought of the idea as a tribute to military members.

“D.C. is synonymous with the military. They have our backs, and we want to be able to honor them in a small way, and that’s just the way we do it,” he told the paper.

Williams, the son of a Marine, is well-versed in challenge coins. He grew up in San Diego, a city with a strong military presence that includes Naval Base San Diego and Marine Base Camp Pendleton.

More than Baseball

In addition to his pitching skills, Williams is known for his philanthropy.  In 2025, he was nominated for Major League Baseball’s Roberto Clemente Award, considered one of the highest individual honors in baseball.

 According to MLB.com, the award recognizes “the MLB player who best represents the game through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions both on and off the field.”

With former college teammate Cory Hahn, Williams co-founded Project 34, an organization to help people with spinal cord injuries. Hahn was paralyzed from the chest down by an injury to his C-5 vertebra during an Arizona State game in 2011.

Hahn wore #34, the number Williams wears today. Project 34 raises funds to provide equipment, rehabilitation and other tools to improve independence for people with spinal cord injuries. Since its inception, the charitable organization has provided more than $1 million in grants to more than 500 recipients.

Ceremonial Pitches

The Nationals’ proximity to the many military bases in the Washington area created opportunity for Williams and others to collect challenge coins. The Post noted that starting pitchers often catch ceremonial first pitches from V.I.P.s. In the D.C. area, military members often throw out those first pitches, and sometimes give the pitcher a coin afterward.

The Pitchers’ Coin

The coin the pitchers created under Williams’ leadership features a W atop a home plate in the center. The words “Department of Pitching” and  “21st Pitching Staff” flank the top and bottom, respectively.

The reverse features a stylized W, the team logo, inside a rocket flanked on the left by the words “Aim Small” and by “Miss Small” on the right.

The Starters’ Collections

Several of the Nationals starters are enthusiastically collecting the coins they receive from the ceremonial pitches. The Post reported they compete to see who can collect the “coolest” ones. Williams’s collection includes a coin from the commanding officer of SEAL Team 5 and a rare Marine Corps 250th anniversary coin. Another pitcher, Brad Lord reported that he received a Space Force coin last season.

When new starters join the team, Williams informs them of the tradition, the Post noted. Newbies soon start their own collections, although none have yet caught up to Willams’s double-digit count.

A Brief History of Challenge Coins

Challenge coins have been a feature of military life for decades. Members of a specific unit or squad typically have their own design, representing that unit. Military leaders have their own custom coins too, which they can present for accomplishments and motivation.

For example, Air Force members receive their first challenge coin, the Airman coin when they complete basic training. Other branches have similar rituals and presentations.

Receiving a coin from an officer is a special honor, and the higher the rank of the officer, the greater the meaning. The ultimate honor is to receive a coin from the Commander in Chief – the president himself.

The Presentation Tradition Continues

Military members traditionally present challenge coins through a handshake, a subtle gesture that attracts little notice. Nationals pitcher Brand Lord maintains the tradition, giving his coin to the service member who threw out the ceremonial pitch.

“They aren’t expecting to have a coin, and so it’s a nice little moment,” he told the Post. “It’s nice to see them smile whenever they get it.”

Collectability

While some challenge coins are common, others are highly collectible. With very limited distribution, the Nationals starting pitchers coins are sure to be among the latter in the future.

A Perfect Example

The Nationals’ starting pitcher coins are a perfect example of what custom challenge coins are all about. They give the starting squad a sense of unity and camaraderie, and serve as a token of appreciation to the military members throwing the ceremonial first pitch.

They’re also reciprocal with the military members, who offer the pitchers their coins as well. It’s a classic demonstration of the value of challenge coins to build bridges and say “thank you.”

Coins Can Be Your All-Stars

Custom coins can be a home run for your group, organization, team, school or business, too. Whether you want to build public awareness of your brand, support your team, honor accomplishments or celebrate milestones, we can help you created the perfect coin design for your team.

If you’d like to find out more, let us know. Call us at (855) 272-8451, or email us. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have. We’ll work with you every step of the way from design through production to ensure your coins bat 1.000 with your audience!