By Casey Nolen
St. Louis (KSDK) - Major League Baseball is in town, telling Cardinal fans to watch out for counterfeit merchandise. But why should fans even care if a sale has baseball's stamp of approval?
Anyone who's ever made it down to a Cardinals game knows that the fans turnout in their Cardinals gear, and MLB is making a pitch for why fans should care if they're wearing the real deal.
If you want to be a part of the sea of red, with fans dressed toe to head to toe, it's a good idea to wear the right gear.
And while some styles you just can't find, and some you can't put a price on, there is plenty to purchase, and it's not always above board.
Major League Baseball is cracking down on counterfeiting. The League says it's not only bad for business, but hurts tax revenues, retailers and manufacturers.
"First and foremost, it's the fans. Because they want to make sure they get a quality product and counterfeiters don't care what they sell to consumers. They don't care if it can withstand a wash," said Ethan Orlinsky with Major League Baseball.
And while most may not notice the holograms that signify certified merchandise, some seek it out.
And some budding entrepreneurs are even learning from the League when it comes to their own creations.
"We've gone through legalities of this, we've actually copy-written these ourselves. So be on the look-out for any fakes. If it's not from us it's not the real thing," said one fan wearing his own creation.
They also say if you buy second-hand merchandise, buy from someone you've bought from before.
KSDK