OT: How MLB Makes Certain That Ball Is Real

[marzoumanian]

https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-authentication-program

Yes, I know this article has nothing to do with cards BUT I still found it a fun and informative read about MLB's authentication program. Perhaps others will too. Operation Bullpen gets mentioned! The Tony Gwynn autographed balls story should make you laugh and shake your head. Enjoy.

[sportsnut25]

A fantastic article! Thanks for sharing.

[jingram058]

Great article. Really makes you wonder about some of the things you obtained years ago, doesn't it?

[nebboy]

Nice read

[mrreality68]

Good Stuff and very informative

[Gary Dunaier]

Fascinating read. I like to joke about ordinary non-sport items that happen to have been used in connection with a ballgame just needing an official MLB Authentication hologram to make it an official piece of game-used memorabilia, for example this HDX Sprayer bottle, presumably used by a Citi Field grounds crew man (I didn't actually see it being used, but it's unlikely someone put it out there for decoration)...



...but the fact of the matter is that if MLB authentication didn't exist, I wouldn't own the baseball that was pitched to Todd Frazier just prior to the one he hit that prompted my legendary thumbs down.

(Frazier hit the home run on the 7th pitch of that at-bat. I have the ball that was used for pitches 4-6.)

[todeen]

Originally Posted by Gary Dunaier

Fascinating read. I like to joke about ordinary non-sport items that happen to have been used in connection with a ballgame just needing an official MLB Authentication hologram to make it an official piece of game-used memorabilia, for example this HDX Sprayer bottle, presumably used by a Citi Field grounds crew man (I didn't actually see it being used, but it's unlikely someone put it out there for decoration)...







...but the fact of the matter is that if MLB authentication didn't exist, I wouldn't own the baseball that was pitched to Todd Frazier just prior to the one he hit that prompted my legendary thumbs down.



(Frazier hit the home run on the 7th pitch of that at-bat. I have the ball that was used for pitches 4-6.)

I thought of you when Baez and Lindor were booing the fans. You did it better!

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[todeen]

I was present at the 2001 MLB Fanfest when they were placing their hologram stickers on every auto. It was really cool to watch the process right in front of me. According to the article, that would be the first season they rolled out it.

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