Authentic Bonds Items? Collectors Can Get 'Em From Barry

Jul 27 2005 4:16PM

Collectors wanting authentic Barry Bonds memorabilia will have the opportunity to purchase items directly from the ballplayer with the re-launch of Bonds' online memorabilia store August 2.

The Barry Bonds Clubhouse Collection at www.barrybonds.com will contain a wide-range of products that come straight from Bonds himself. Some items are game-used and some items are autographed.

According to Jeff Bernstein, the managing director of Pro Access Inc. – Bonds' licensing coordinator – the Barry Bonds Clubhouse Collection will include items ranging from $75 pairs of game-issued wristbands to a $5,000 special game-used 400/400 commemorative fielding glove.

All of the Bonds autographed items are authenticated by a special tamper proof and numbered MLB hologram along with a special tamper proof and numbered Bonds hologram that is witnessed by a notary. In addition, all Bonds signature items come with a special Bonds COA that is also hand-signed by Bonds and notarized.

In a unique partnership between Bonds, MLB Authentications and MLB.com, Bonds game-used items are collected, authenticated by MLB directly after the game allowing to track what game the item was used in.

According to Bernstein, Bonds is the only known athlete that has a free e-mail service for fans and collectors for authenticating autographed items they already have in their collection (whether they plan to buy it or sell it), which he reviews himself for authenticity (IsItReal@BarryBonds.com).

"I see so much fake stuff online," Bonds says. "I wanted my fans to have a place where they know they are getting something real."