Authenticators keep history alive at Busch Stadium

It was 103 degrees at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, but for MLB authenticators Jim Welby and Ed Halveland, it was just another night at the office.

And by office, we don't mean the one with four walls and a door. Welby and Halveland mostly work from the camera wells adjacent to the dugouts. From there, this pair of eagle-eye observers authenticated memorabilia removed from the field, primarily game-used baseballs, bases and special-issued hats from the Cardinals-Rockies game. Those substantiated items received a tamper-proof rectangular hologram and were registered with the MLB database. Many of the items are ultimately sold by the clubs, with leftover items generally going to players to celebrate milestones or the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.

Hired across baseball, MLB authenticators are present at every regular-season and postseason game, as well as special events like Tuesday's All-Star Game in Kansas City. Their presence is particularly valuable during historic moments, like Game 6 of the 2011 World Series.

Welby will be one of several authenticators at the Midsummer Classic. It's the All-Star assignment for the retired police officer, who worked the 2008 and '09 games in New York and St. Louis, respectively.

Here's a closer look at the work of Welby and Halveland.

-- Gabriel Kiley