Let's see your Major League Player Lifetime Passes

[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 .

[keating3620]

what is the Cub pass for? I don't see anything written on it that there is a "pass to all games"

[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?

[BradH]

Originally Posted by 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?

This Johnny Pesky pass sold recently in a Hunt auction - $1,300 I believe. But that's on the high end because he's a popular player from a very popular team and era. Newer ones - especially those of more common players - can be had for much less.

[CooperstownExpert]

MLB Lifetime passes are going to he a few hundred dollars even for the most basic if players. Season passes can be found for as low as $5. They sure are nice collectables

[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

[BradH]

Nearly every team honors the lifetime passes with the "best available seats" for the cardholder, unless the game is a sellout (then there are no guarantees, and sometimes no admittance is granted). Some clubs offer seats in the same section where the current players' friends/family sits. Most clubs are pretty good about it, a couple not as much.

[CooperstownExpert]

Interesting. I haven't quite found the consistency yet.

The Padres and the Angels offer very good tickets to games when they can, but they're nowhere near best available. It's like the club policy dictates the best to a certain point, no matter how great the best available are.

I'm going to witness how the Red Sox (July 28) and Yankees (July 23rd) handle the pass in late July.

I sure would think that they'd be required to give entrance to a regular-season game.

I've got a minor league pass that they've given fully best available for. Whole different ball game there.