first MLB authenticated bats

[coletrain98]

Does anyone know when MLB authentication started authenticating bats? What is the oldest MLB authenticated bat you have?

[coxfan]

This question come up a couple of times recently, and the consensus seems to be that the MLB authentication program claims to have been launched in 2001. But some items were authenticated as used in 2000, so they were either done retroactively; or else noted and held until the full hologram program got ready. Unfortunately, I haven't seen anything that gives a definite answer to your question. My only authenticated bat is from 2007.