Fans love Tigers souvenirs and when those souvenirs tell a story of the history of the team they are even more valuable. You could own a piece of that history too.
The Director of Authentics for the Detroit Tigers, Jordan Field, joined “Live In The D” hosts Jason Carr and Tati Amare to chat about the baseball collectibles that you can own that are not just souvenirs.
Opening Day is a wonderful “holiday” in Detroit and Jordan says the authentics department authenticates all of the game used, game worn, and autographed items. The items are sold in Comerica Park near section 135.
Jordan says some items include a batting helmet autographed by the legend and hall of fame player Alan Trammell, and a bat autograph by Miguel Cabrera that he inscribed after becoming part of the 500th home run club.
Jason and Tati were both surprised with a mystery photo that were authenticated by the Major League Baseball (MLB). Jason received Don Kelly and Tati received Michael Fulmer pictures from a mystery envelope. Jordan says each item has a hologram at the bottom that has a unique alpha numerical number that can be traced on the MLB website which will tell you who signed it, the date it was signed, and where it was signed. He also says if it was a game used item like a baseball and not autographed, it will tell you who pitched it, the speed of the pitch, the type of pitch, who hit it, the distance traveled, the speed off the bat, and more. All of that data is stored in that little hologram so you know what you have is the real deal.
In MLB, Jordan says it is really critical to secure the teams history for the players, team archives, the baseball Hall of Fame, and the fans. He says the fans want a piece of their beloved Tigers and players, and this is the best way to get the items with 100 percent certainty.
Jordan says their ball park is fan friendly and the value will always be there for their fans. He says the prices range from $20 and up, to auction options. He also says a significant percentage of all of their revenue goes to the Detroit Tigers Foundation, their team charity, that invests in youth baseball.
Watch the video above to see some of the items on hand in the store and the full interview.