Major League Baseball Authentication Program
The Major League Baseball Authentication Program, or MLB Authentication Program, is a program run by Major League Baseball to guarantee the authenticity of baseball merchandise and memorabilia. It was set up in 2001 and provides a register of all authenticated MLB objects.[1]
History
Major League Baseball started running an authentication program in 2001 after the FBI discovered during an investigation that 75% of autographs purporting to be from MLB people were fake.[2] As a result, MLB set up the Authentication Program. The way that it works is that any game used item or object with MLB connections will be given to an appointed MLB authenticator, who usually sits in the first base camera well,[3] who will then affix an MLB hologram sticker onto it with a unique serial number that is registered so that the item can be tracked as proof of authenticity.[1] An MLB authenticator will be present at every MLB game as well as the World Baseball Classic and team-specific events.[2] The authenticators all have a background in law enforcement and are recommended to the role by their local police departments.[2] Often there is only one present at any regular season game however MLB postseason games will have three or more.[3] Usually they will only authenticate items within the field of play, anything that goes into the stands is generally considered outside of their jurisdiction. However if there is a batter's milestone occurring, they will often work with the umpires to mark up baseballs to ensure that even if the milestone ball is hit into the stands, it can be tracked and later authenticated.[4]
Items authenticated
Usually the MLB Authentication Program authenticates items used during baseball games, with baseballs and baseball bats being the most common. However any item with an MLB association can be authenticated. One example of this was when the Baltimore Orioles got the remains of a dugout telephone that was smashed by the Boston Red Sox's David Ortiz authenticated.[5] They then presented the phone to Ortiz during his retirement season.[6][7][8] Another is when the MLB authenticate jars of dirt.[2][9] Usually all baseballs that stay in the field of play are authenticated. Any player can request that any item be authenticated, with the request usually being passed to the authenticators by the relevant clubhouse manager.[3]
References
- ^ a b "MLB's Authentication program leaves its mark on memorabilia". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2018-02-26.
- ^ a b c d "Keeping it real: MLB authenticators ensure legitimacy of game-used memorabilia". StarT ribune. 2014-09-09. Retrieved 2018-02-26.
- ^ a b c "Behind the scenes with Major League Baseball's authentication process". Sports Illustrated. 2010-12-17. Retrieved 2018-02-26.
- ^ "The Secret Agents at Every Major League Baseball Game". Esquire.com. 2015-05-07. Retrieved 2018-02-26.
- ^ "Orioles present David Ortiz with dugout phone he destroyed". USA today. Retrieved 2018-02-26.
- ^ "Hold the phone: David Ortiz's gift from the Orioles is a good call". ESPN. 2016-09-23. Retrieved 2018-02-26.
- ^ "Ortiz honored by Orioles". MLB. Retrieved 2018-02-26.
- ^ "Champagne corks, lineup cards, bases – Orioles fans want it all". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2018-02-26.
- ^ Hlavaty, Craig (2017-11-06). "MLB selling authenticated dirt from the Houston Astros Game 7 World Series win - Houston Chronicle". Chron.com. Retrieved 2018-02-26.