Mlb.com Authentication Issues And Concerns

[CPuente57]

Re: Mlb.com Authentication Issues And Concerns

I have a Cal Ripken ceremony worn jersey that he signed and wore during the Orioles 25th Anniversary celebration that was an MLB Authenticated but just under the autograph jersey section. I have the Team LOA and a photomatch of Cal wearing the jersey and it got changed very fast. They added worn by Cal Ripken during the Orioles 25th Anniversary Celebration on an additional information line.

[helf35]

Re: Mlb.com Authentication Issues And Concerns

Sorry here is the correct link and the broken photo

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/alexei-ramirez-of-the-chicago-white-sox-bats-during-mlb-news-photo/150505560

[helf35]

Re: Mlb.com Authentication Issues And Concerns

I have an alexei ramirez bat that says it was used by alex rios on August 14 2013. The only photos I have seen from him that game he is using an all black bat and this one I have is 2 toned. Alexei didn't play this game but on the next night he did and I found this photo that matches up. It looks like a bat piece flying through the air about the size I am missing on my bat. Also my bat looks barely used like the pick.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hanley-Ramirez-AUTO-Game-Used-Spikes-Cleats-Just-Memorabilia-COA-/350832596770?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51af409722

[sportsnbikes]

Re: Mlb.com Authentication Issues And Concerns

And then you have this example of one with lots of information

[David Murphy collector]

Re: Mlb.com Authentication Issues And Concerns

My most recent issue is a 2011 David Murphy game used jersey. It is authenticated to ALCS games 4 and 5 and ALDS game 4, but the inside laundry tag is marked for not only those 3 games but also for WS game 6. It was purchased from the MLB auction this way. I have written both the Rangers and the MLB authentications to ask them about the issue. Does anyone on here know when the rags are marked for post season worn jerseys? If they are marked after each game played then I have a WS gamer! I'd like to ahead some light on this if anyone could help.
The first authentication issue I had was with Texas Rangers jerseys on the MLB auction that say "game used", but when they are pulled up in the data base, they show up as "autographed jersey". I've seen that several times and even bid on one once. I contacted the rangers and they assured me that it was game used and that the MLB authentication shows up as game used in the site. It clearly did not so I contacted MLB and they said the same thing. A few days went by and I check it again and they had changed it to "game used".

[esigs]

Re: Mlb.com Authentication Issues And Concerns

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).

I emailed MLB authentication and got a response in less than 3 hours informing my hologram was corrected. Unfortunately, they corrected one number before mine...

I replied tonight asking for my hologram number, and hopefully they will fix it. Interestingly, I also gave them the range for the entire batch that is wrong, but they only corrected one of them.

[Klattsy]

Re: Mlb.com Authentication Issues And Concerns

I posted some issues (3 items) with WBC i had in another thread, I emailed them and linked the play by play from ESPN website and it was changed overnight.

Mark.

[3arod13]

Re: Mlb.com Authentication Issues And Concerns

I get mistake happen like this, but there are so many of them. If attention to detail isn't there on items like these (which some consider minor), then what other areas are mistakes happening? To me, these are mistakes that can't be downplayed or overlooked.

[esigs]

Re: Mlb.com Authentication Issues And Concerns

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!

[3arod13]

Re: Mlb.com Authentication Issues And Concerns

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!

[marino13]

Re: Mlb.com Authentication Issues And Concerns

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]

Re: Mlb.com Authentication Issues And Concerns

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.

[3arod13]

Re: Mlb.com Authentication Issues And Concerns

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.

[marino13]

Re: Mlb.com Authentication Issues And Concerns

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.

[Dach0sen0ne]

Re: Mlb.com Authentication Issues And Concerns

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