Well it is that time again where the Cincinnati Redsfest has come and gone and many of the game used jerseys, bats, helmets and hats are showing up in fan's collections. I was amazed that the hundreds of items all held the mlb authentication hologram, and like many other Reds collectors were pumped to see some of these great items listed in the MLB database. Well a few weeks went by and still no entries were listed for the items sold at Redsfest.

After contacting somebody at MLB, I was told all but a few items would be entered today. As hours slipped by I began punching in a few numbers to items I have seen. Much to my surprise the MLB authenticator put in extremely poor quality work once again. Majority of items are listed as nothing more then TEAM ISSUED. Bravo MLB and your employed staff.... items with pine tar covering the brim of hats, wash tags that are barely readable, and pants that Kyle Hess wouldn't touch all are listed as TEAM ISSUED.

I am sure the authenticator could not verify that each item was worn since they did not see the items come off the player or field but if they are going to the trouble of issuing a hologram as TEAM ISSUED, why bother?!?! Every collector that I have spoken to is furious about this, as the items lose personal value and financial value instantly. Why even bother having MLB issue holograms if this is the quality of work that is put in by the authenticator.

I really am starting to believe that the regional authenticator or MLB staff member in the Cincinnati area, just does not "get it". For years, Reds items have been coming up as ISSUED or listed that an item is only signed when it has clearly been worn to death and comes straight from the team. This isn't rocket science, and I am not saying every item should be listed as game used but this laziness and incorrectness ruined a lot of items for the collectors.

Guess, the Cincinnati area is not as lucky as some of the other regions who authenticate the exact pitch location and outcome of the play. For now I am going to wonder why my Nick Masset hat has sweat stains, a number written inside, and the inside band cut out as a customization and my latest Stubbs jersey has a property and wash tag that can barely be read remains to be listed as ISSUED.

If you can't put full effort in, why bother trying.