A red and white background with red and white text. Next to the largest white text is a red and white seal, and then on the other side is a red tennis racquet with red text running through it

This is a button identifying the press at a circuit tournament for the United States Tennis Association. The United States Tennis Association was established in 1881 as the United States National Lawn Tennis Association. It was founded as the "national governing body of American tennis." In 1920, they cut "lawn" and "national" out of their name, officially becoming The United States Tennis Association. They are affiliated with both youth, college, and adult teams, but this button may be from a tournament for their pro circuit. 

A white and blue background with white and blue text. Next to the white text is a white seal and on the other side, a blue tennis racquet with blue text

This is a button identifying the press at a circuit tournament for the United States Tennis Association. The United States Tennis Association was established in 1881 as the United States National Lawn Tennis Association. It was founded as the "national governing body of American tennis." In 1920, they cut "lawn" and "national" out of their name, officially becoming The United States Tennis Association. They are affiliated with both youth, college, and adult teams, but this button may be from a tournament for their pro circuit. 

Black text on a white background with pink fitness figures

The image on this button of sports figures takes the shape of the state of Missouri and most likely is from a sports-related event in the state during the late 1980's or early 1990's. 

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A yellow background outlined by green, it contains a green and black text, white and green cleats, and is designed like a baseball

The Oakland Athletics, commonly referred to as the Oakland A's, are a Professional Baseball team based in Oakland, California. They have several nicknames, such as the "White Elephants", the moniker given to them by New York Giant's manager John McGraw because of their less than stellar early seasons, and "the Swingin' A's" due to their success during the 1970's. Founded in 1901 as the Philadelphia Athletics, in 1955 they moved to Kansas City and remained there until they moved to Oakland in 1968. Soon after it was clear the Athletics would be a force to be reckoned with, winning 3 World Championships in a row, 1972, 1973 and 1974. 

Green background with white text

Joseph Robert "Joe" Theismann is a retired professional football player. Playing 12 seasons for the Washington Redskins as a quarterback, he was selected twice for the Pro Bowl and lead the Redskins to a victory in Super Bowl XVII. Playing for Notre Dame university, he gained notice his sophomore year when he replaced the injured first string quarterback. Becoming the starter in 1969, he lead the Fighting Irish to a 1970 Cotton Bowl appearance and a win in the 1971 Cotton Bowl. In 1970 he was in consideration for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, which is given annually the most outstanding college football player, taking into consideration diligence, perseverance, hard work, and integrity of the nominees. Theismann finished second to Jim Plunkett. In 2003 Theismann was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame.

Orange and blue text on a white background

Super Bowl XX was held on January 26, 1986 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. It featured the Chicago Bears playing the New England Patriots. The New England Patriots were heavy underdogs, only getting in the play-offs as a wildcard team due to their poor record of 11-5, compared to Chicago's 15-1. Though the Patriots took an early lead, scoring a field goal only 1:19 into the game (the record for fastest score during a Super Bowl held until 2007), they were unable to keep their lead and the Bears defeated the Patriots, 46-10 setting several records, including most sacks (7), fewest rushing yards allowed (7) and largest margin of victory (36 points). This was Chicago's first Super Bowl appearance, and first win.

A green background with white text. In the center is a brown bear-like muppet holding a tennis racquet in one hand and tossing two tennis balls into the air with another

One of Jim Henson's Muppets, Rowlf the Dog, appears on this Hallmark Cards collector pinback button from 1980. The button series featured Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy as well as other Muppets, and were made with cardboard inserts that could be used as a stand to display the button. 

Rowlf the Dog first hit the television scene in Purina Dog Chow commercials in 1962, appeared in The Jimmy Dean Show from 1963-1966, and was the piano player on The Muppet Show. 

White text on a blue background with a white outline of a figure with two bowling pins.

Bowling is a sporting event that is for professional or casual players. This button was part of a series that used humor for casual players to display their love for bowling. The buttons could be pinned to shirts or bowling bags, or other clothing items.

Yellow text on a black background

The Sweet 16 is the third round of the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament. It is also known as the tournament regional semifinals. The winning teams move on to play in the regional finals known as the Elite 8. The NCAA tournament is a single elimination tournament in the United States that features 68 college basketball teams. The tournament bracket is divided into 4 regions and teams must win to advance to subsequent rounds. The tournament is also known as “March Madness” because it takes place every March.

A maroon background with orange text and a football helmet at the bottom with the number 51 on it in maroon

"Super Crunch" is a reference to two (seemingly unrelated) things: Heath candy bars and Pro Football Hall of Fame Chicago Bears linebacker, Dick Butkus (#51). The Super Crunch candy bar was first released by Heath in 1971, and someone in the advertising department had the brilliant idea of getting "Super Crunch" himself to endorse their new candy bar. Nicknamed "Super Crunch" for his violent playing style, Dick Butkus agreed, and by 1972, his likeness was appearing in Heath Super Crunch ads and wrappers. One ad depicts Butkus with his helmet on with a quote under it stating, "Only Heath could make a candy bar good enough to put my name on," followed by his signature. Following his retirement from the NFL in 1973 due to a knee injury, Butkus moved to Hollywood to become an actor, starring in over 50 television shows and movies.