Game used when player doesn't play.

[roar84]

Re: Game used when player doesn't play.

I really think this is a great thread and got me thinking about a Miguel Cabrera jersey I have from 2011. It is mlb authenticated as "team issued" at the end of the season but it is evident that it was worn by staining on the front near the collar. In addition, it has Jim Schmakel's initials on the tag with the letter G which designates it as a game jersey. Since it was evident that the jersey was worn, but I did not take the time to try an photomatch it, I had Cabrera autograph it and put "game worn." What are some thoughts if it is evident that the jersey was used and, as in the case with the Tigers, they initial the tag?

[pungent]

Re: Game used when player doesn't play.

If it is a player's final season where game used jerseys are sold at a premium, would you consider a game worn instead if you can get it at a lower price? I'm not sure if Mariano Rivera can be used as an example, but let's say last year, he wore a jersey but didn't pitch in the game that the jersey was authenticated. If it was sold in the secondary market for less than the game used jerseys, would it still be a solid investment?

[jake33]

Re: Game used when player doesn't play.

What is interesting to me is that at least 1 MLB will deem an item as "Game Issued" if the player suited up for the game, didn't play but was part of the 40-man roster.

It will be authenticated the same date as the specific game the player wore it in, but will be listed as issued.

A rep froman MLB team, said they will list an item as game issued, because the player isn't on the 25-man roster.

That same jersey is more than "issued" but it isn't game "used".

It isn't from one of those MLB authentications after the fact either. I went through the MLB database for a specific game and all the non roster players were deemed as game issued, but the team rep DID in fact confirm they were worn and the back up jersey from that specific game, so that can also make an issue.

[gingi79]

Re: Game used when player doesn't play.

If it is a player's final season where game used jerseys are sold at a premium, would you consider a game worn instead if you can get it at a lower price? I'm not sure if Mariano Rivera can be used as an example, but let's say last year, he wore a jersey but didn't pitch in the game that the jersey was authenticated. If it was sold in the secondary market for less than the game used jerseys, would it still be a solid investment?

This is a great question. Mo played a ton of dominant seasons, for the Yanks, wearing a number retired by MLB 15 years before he stopped wearing it, as a player few could argue was the best ever at his position. If any player makes the HOF as a Relief/Closer it's Rivera. Having a jersey he wore but didn't pitch in with MLB Authentication, to me at least, is worth much less than one worn during a game but much more than one from Spring Training let alone a Team Issued/ Game Issued version.

On the other hand, your average relief pitcher or bench player or even DH not named David Ortiz, wearing the jersey to watch the game from the bench or the relief pen doesn't carry any additional value in my mind.

One other caveat, if I attend the game, talk to the player and get a ball from him during warm ups and he never plays in the game? It becomes one of the most desirable game used jerseys in my collection.