Let's see your Major League Player Lifetime Passes

[johnmh71]

Originally Posted by Scott Garner

Neat thread, Rob!

Close, but no cigar, but I thought these might still fit this thread.
Here are six membership passes to various oddball organizations that HOF Bob Feller was involved in.

These were some of my favorite pickups at the Baltimore National this year.
All of these originally came from Mr. Feller's personal estate.

I like the Sheriff's Association card. It is signed on the back by Ernie Shore, who was the key pitcher in the 1916 World Series for the Red Sox.

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by johnmh71

I like the Sheriff's Association card. It is signed on the back by Ernie Shore, who was the key pitcher in the 1916 World Series for the Red Sox.

John,
Thanks, that's my favorite one as well.

BTW, in June of 1917 Babe Ruth and Ernie Shore combined for one of baseball's most unusual games. Ruth was the starting pitcher and got into a fight with home plate umpire Brick Owen over balls and strikes. Ruth walked the first batter for Washington, Ray Morgan, on 4 pitches. Ruth proceeded to take a swing at the umpire believing that Owens was squeezing him on the strike zone, and was subsequently ejected from the game.

Ernie Shore came into the game in relief of Ruth with no outs recorded in the 1st inning. Ray Morgan was immediately thrown out trying unsuccessfully to steal 2nd base. Ernie Shore proceeded to retire the next 26 batters in succession for what essentially was a perfect game. In 1991 the rules surrounding what defines what is a no-hitter and perfect game changed eliminating one of the most overpowering pitching performaces in ML history.

[CW]

Beautiful pieces, guys! These passes are not only special for their eye-appealing design and decoration, but for what they represent. How cool would it have been to be issued one of these passes and have the freedom to go to any MLB game of your choosing?

[Bumpus Jones]

Thanks for everyone's contributions!

[CooperstownExpert]

Just found this thread on the passes. They're one of my favorite things to collect.

For years, the lifetime passes were undervalued and could be picked up relatively inexpensively. Now it's a little tougher.

Here are three from the collection.

The paper pass is an example for Sliding Billy Hamilton is an example of the very first passes given. The gold pass for Bobby Wallace is an example of passes given to players with at least 20 years by 1934. Gold and silver passes replaced the initial paper passes.

The leather Haddix pass is a bit more unusual. I've also got his golden metal pass.

There are ten more if anyone wants to see them. I know this thread is old so there might not be interest.

Happy collecting.

[Leon]

Cooperstown- those are cool passes. Just because not too many members post in a thread doesn't mean hundreds don't look and appreciate. Welcome to the forum!!

[BradH]

I've always thought these passes are pretty cool. Here is an example of the modern-day MLB Lifetime Pass. It's metalic and about the size of a credit card. The back is blank. Players today still receive these after they've reached their MLB service milestone.

This pass (not part of my collection) just came in the mail from the league office on Friday and I've scanned it to show here, with the permission of the player. I'm not sure how many guys actually still use their pass these days, but they all seem pretty excited when they get them, which is nice to see.

[CooperstownExpert]

Beautiful pass there for BJ Upton. Once MLB did away with league presidents and combined them to the commish's office, a lot changed. The new passes are directly from Selig's office.

These may end up difficult to date later if the service milestone of 8 years gets forgotten in history. There's no facsimilie signatures to help the dating process.

Here are a couple more parts to add. The first image is a little note that accompanied the paper passes. The second image is a note that came with the metal passes.

The third image is the back of the Cronin pass. Of all the passes I have and have seen it's the only one with any sort of writing on the back.

By the way, thanks for the thread, Leon. It's neat to see these and interact with everyone.

[bbpostcards]

A slight shift off the main topic of lifetime passes, but I thought I'd share them for the good of the order. Apart from the first one, they pertain to the iconic McCredies of the Portland teams of the Pacific Coast League, Northwestern League, and Pacific Coast International League (1918), Walter McCredie and his uncle William Wallace McCredie. I'd be delighted to hear from you if you have passes that would compliment these. For more, visit http://www.sportingoregon.com .

[6-4-3memorabilia]

Now I want to find one to purchase. What are usually the price ranges for these? Of course a HOF'er will be more but would one of a lesser player go for?

[Gary Dunaier]

Here's how lifetime passes were dealt with at Citi Field last year, as per the "2013 Credentials" posters displayed at various entry points in the ballpark.



Underneath the image of the pass, it says:

Gold Lifetime Passes are subject to individual club policies. In addition, a number of lifetime passes have been issued to veterans of war, prisoners of war and other military personnel. Please honor then when presented, subject to your individual club policies, and/or call the Club Relations Department at Major League Baseball should there be any questions.

[CooperstownExpert]

Gary,
Nice post. Every MLB press box and club house has a similar sign. Do you know the Mets policy in "honoring" lifetime passes? A friend who has one got denied at the Angels during Jeter's last visit.

He said it's the first he's had that happen. Also the Cubs just let him in, but don't give him a ticket.

I wonder what the Mets do