Mlb.com Authentication Issues And Concerns

[yanks12025]

I bought a Pedoria bat that was listed as issued on mlb but it showed use. After watching the video, turned out to be used by someone else that game.

[esigs]

Unbelieveable! They sure don't do a good job. This is for a GAME-USED LOCKER NAME PLACE for PITCHER - MARK TEIXEIRA! Really! If they make mistakes like this, I could just imagine how much often this occurs.

If any others find ones like this, please let me know.

Here is another example. The Session Name (ATL AT PHI) and Session Date (July 07, 2012) are incorrect as evidenced by the date listed under Additional Description (9-7-12), which was a game between ATL AT NYM. This error appears on all jerseys on a batch from EK234807 thru EK234827. Furthermore, the next one is EK234828, which is for ATL AT NYM on 9-8-12 (the next game).

[dplettn]

I’m all for being transparent and open. Lets be fair though and have the respect to provide some context with these complaints. In designing the parameters for MLB’s program, there were justified choices of rigorous standards for authentication parameters. Those choices make it difficult to authenticate many items for their full relevance (a jersey being used, a bat being used by a certain player, etc). I think it is appropriate that as any of us collectors gain wisdom as to what the relevant parameters are, we be candid about what we are really critiquing. I'm reading here issues and concerns (“complaints”) which seem to obscure a candid acknowledgement the poster understands why their item could not be authenticated with even more relevance. Quite bluntly, the so-called complaints all boil down to three ways that certain opinionated collectors applying their personal judgment on the program or its authenticators:

1) the authenticator didn’t authenticate an item to greater relevance because it wasn’t justified or wasn’t known to be justified to observe/take notes/track more (what days or innings a jersey/base/helmet etc was used). Basically, the authenticator wasn't present and/or observing a jersey coming off of a players back, what hits a ball was in play for, the bat being broken, etc. This is not only a resource consideration, but its a delicate balance because obviously the game and game day experience is more important than what gets authenticated. Do folks want every bat and ball to have a bar code that an authenticator scans before each of its uses? I don't think so.

2) clerical errors/imperfections or other human errors which are generally easily amended. These obviously are not created by any ill-intentioned financial motive and are corrected when collectors have the sense to contact MLB authentications. I find it surprising many in our hobby would rather post something negative here than lend their notice toward bettering the integrity/full accuracy of the database with regard to such human errors.

3) absence of subjective assessments in authentication database entries (ie: the record for a jersey which may only be authenticated as “issued” doesn’t contain notes that it showed use at the time of authentication). Personally, I can see reasons for and reasons against. At the end of the day, its evident that the program is designed for the authenticator to simply observe... not to apply relevant judgment or opinion, whether arbitrary or not.

MLB is the only sports league I follow which has created rigorous standards that meaningfully protect those who collect its memorabilia. Its hologram and the details in each authentication are highly relevant to the novice collector/fan, and to us. When observed in detail and understood, an MLB authentication provides extensive protection from fraud. So let’s keep in mind that the “complaints” levied should be read in context. At the end of the day, we on this board are a rather unique group. The broad protection for the masses is (as it should be) more relevant than any of our more tedious aspirations.

If folks think they have complaints that speak to the integrity of the parameters themselves rather than occasional human error on the part of the authenticator, please post the actual authentication id so that folks’ stated perspective on what is perceived untrue can be fairly compared to what is actually stated in the database.

My Compliments to Michael Posner and the folks both with MLB and its Teams which have constructed a tremendous program making it possible for our culture to attain items safely which help us to further our passion for the game. The program also serves to further a rich history for baseball, both at the macro (items with significant team/player relevance) or and micro (family experiences) levels. It serves heritage. It serves grass roots. Other professional sports leagues would be wise to imitate MLB Authentications.


Buying Joey Votto items. I am buying (preferred) and when required by the other party will secondarily consider trading for game used Joey Votto items (balls that are Votto hits or Votto HRs, game used bats, etc). If you have such items I’d appreciate to hear from you, even if you are not intending to sell. I am pretty private and don’t post much of my stuff so if you’d like to know what items you might entice from me for a Votto item I’d love you’ll need to start the dialogue.

My e-mail is plettner at fuse.net. If you (like myself) collect or want to collect Joey Votto items or other Reds items, please know you can buy direct from the Reds through Jon Cline of Reds Authentics. You can contact him at jcline@reds.com Reds Authentics’ proceeds go toward the Reds Community Fund. It’s not only direct from the source, its a great cause.

[Dach0sen0ne]

I’m all for being transparent and open. Lets be fair though and have the respect to provide some context with these complaints. In designing the parameters for MLB’s program, there were justified choices of rigorous standards for authentication parameters. Those choices make it difficult to authenticate many items for their full relevance (a jersey being used, a bat being used by a certain player, etc). I think it is appropriate that as any of us collectors gain wisdom as to what the relevant parameters are, we be candid about what we are really critiquing. I'm reading here issues and concerns (“complaints”) which seem to obscure a candid acknowledgement the poster understands why their item could not be authenticated with even more relevance. Quite bluntly, the so-called complaints all boil down to three ways that certain opinionated collectors applying their personal judgment on the program or its authenticators:

1) the authenticator didn’t authenticate an item to greater relevance because it wasn’t justified or wasn’t known to be justified to observe/take notes/track more (what days or innings a jersey/base/helmet etc was used). Basically, the authenticator wasn't present and/or observing a jersey coming off of a players back, what hits a ball was in play for, the bat being broken, etc. This is not only a resource consideration, but its a delicate balance because obviously the game and game day experience is more important than what gets authenticated. Do folks want every bat and ball to have a bar code that an authenticator scans before each of its uses? I don't think so.

2) clerical errors/imperfections or other human errors which are generally easily amended. These obviously are not created by any ill-intentioned financial motive and are corrected when collectors have the sense to contact MLB authentications. I find it surprising many in our hobby would rather post something negative here than lend their notice toward bettering the integrity/full accuracy of the database with regard to such human errors.

3) absence of subjective assessments in authentication database entries (ie: the record for a jersey which may only be authenticated as “issued” doesn’t contain notes that it showed use at the time of authentication). Personally, I can see reasons for and reasons against. At the end of the day, its evident that the program is designed for the authenticator to simply observe... not to apply relevant judgment or opinion, whether arbitrary or not.

MLB is the only sports league I follow which has created rigorous standards that meaningfully protect those who collect its memorabilia. Its hologram and the details in each authentication are highly relevant to the novice collector/fan, and to us. When observed in detail and understood, an MLB authentication provides extensive protection from fraud. So let’s keep in mind that the “complaints” levied should be read in context. At the end of the day, we on this board are a rather unique group. The broad protection for the masses is (as it should be) more relevant than any of our more tedious aspirations.

If folks think they have complaints that speak to the integrity of the parameters themselves rather than occasional human error on the part of the authenticator, please post the actual authentication id so that folks’ stated perspective on what is perceived untrue can be fairly compared to what is actually stated in the database.

My Compliments to Michael Posner and the folks both with MLB and its Teams which have constructed a tremendous program making it possible for our culture to attain items safely which help us to further our passion for the game. The program also serves to further a rich history for baseball, both at the macro (items with significant team/player relevance) or and micro (family experiences) levels. It serves heritage. It serves grass roots. Other professional sports leagues would be wise to imitate MLB Authentications.

I couldn't have said it better myself. Thanks for reading my mind! haha

[marino13]

Personally, MLB has corrected a couple "incorrect" additional information.

It is easier for the office to correct if you include a screen-capture of the "final result" along with "what it should have been".


The fastest time I got back was about 24 hours while others take days if not weeks.


Another thing that I have learned, there are TWO different email addresses that you may send to have information corrected. One is generic which is always flooded with request and the other --- I guest you must know an authenticator yourself.

[3arod13]

First, thanks for all the comments. Much appreciated.

Here is the email I received from MLB Authenticators: Tony, these batting gloves were authenticated as Team Issued. The Team Issued designation means that the batting gloves were not witnessed by the authenticator as being used in the game.

[3arod13]

First, thanks for all the comments. Much appreciated.

Here is the email I received from MLB Authenticators: Tony, these batting gloves were authenticated as Team Issued. The Team Issued designation means that the batting gloves were not witnessed by the authenticator as being used in the game.

If this explanation is provided somewhere, then please let me know where. However, I couldn't find it. With that said, if this information is available to a person, at the time they are considering purchasing an item, then that would be much more helpful in their decision to purchase. Remember, not everyone is as savvy as many here.

[marino13]

First, thanks for all the comments. Much appreciated.

Here is the email I received from MLB Authenticators: Tony, these batting gloves were authenticated as Team Issued. The Team Issued designation means that the batting gloves were not witnessed by the authenticator as being used in the game.

This is one guideline that MLB is very strict on.

Unless the player(s) removed their jersey as soon as they step in the dugout and handed it over to the authenticator - it will get a "team issued" tag no matter how dirty or rip or pine tarred the jersey is shown.


Sometimes, authenticator is allowed to be in the clubhouse when the jerseys were removed --- but they are NOT allow in YANKEES clubhouse (I learned this first hand) which is the main reason why a lot of YANKEES stuff are designated as "team issued". On some occasions, Yankees related items do get the "game used" tag.

[3arod13]

This is one guideline that MLB is very strict on.

Unless the player(s) removed their jersey as soon as they step in the dugout and handed it over to the authenticator - it will get a "team issued" tag no matter how dirty or rip or pine tarred the jersey is shown.


Sometimes, authenticator is allowed to be in the clubhouse when the jerseys were removed --- but they are NOT allow in YANKEES clubhouse (I learned this first hand) which is the main reason why a lot of YANKEES stuff are designated as "team issued". On some occasions, Yankees related items do get the "game used" tag.

Great info! Thanks for sharing that!

[esigs]

Unbelieveable! They sure don't do a good job. This is for a GAME-USED LOCKER NAME PLACE for PITCHER - MARK TEIXEIRA! Really! If they make mistakes like this, I could just imagine how much often this occurs.

If any others find ones like this, please let me know.

Here's one I just saw today. Bryce Harper pitching to Joe Saunders!