Recently there have been quite a few discussions on one of the hobby’s popular message boards about people trying on game-used jerseys and swinging game-used bats.
After reading all of the posts, I have come to the conclusion that the majority of people posting on the board think it is a major no-no to try collectibles on or “play” with them.

At least that’s the message that they seem to be trying to convey. I will say, I really like sports memorabilia message boards and I am open to free speech etc., but these guys are way too serious and some are just trying to start trouble… You know who you are.
Game-used jerseys and bats aren’t part of evidence in a crime-scene investigation. Gosh, collecting memorabilia is supposed to be fun.

I will tell you right now, if there is a Brett Favre game-worn jersey sitting next to me, I am going to be putting it on. Period.
If I am at a card show and one of the dealers shows me a game-used Lou Gehrig bat, I guarantee I am going to grip it, just like I am at bat at Yankee Stadium.
It’s human nature to “play” with these great artifacts.
Obviously I will make sure that I will not add any wear to the piece, but I see nothing wrong with giving them a try.
Now, that doesn’t mean that I think it’s acceptable to take a Paul Molitor bat to the local batting cage and hit line drives with it. You get what I am saying.
Chill out guys. For those who say they would never take part in this “horse play,” they are lying… or if they’re not lying, they are very anal.