It’s a gold ticket, the size of a credit card, that says “Lifetime Pass.”

The card is given to any player with eight years’ service in Major League Baseball. For players who hold one, it’s more of a symbol than anything else.

“It’s great to have that and reaffirm all the hard work and the sacrifices we as players made to get here,” said Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista, who recently received his gold pass from Major League Baseball.

“It’s a symbol of all the things you do, the work, all those things that it takes, and one day you can look at (the pass) and look back on what you did.”

Bautista and teammate Maicer Izturis were the latest Jays to get the pass, which allows free admission for the holder and a guest to any park in the major leagues for life.

The commissioner’s office offers the pass for meritorious service to baseball, and it’s given to players, umpires, scouts, executives and employees.

There is a certain status and appreciation of owning one, especially for the body of work it represents.

“I think it’s cool, yeah, it’s a rite of passage,” said Jays infielder Mark DeRosa. “If you take a step back when you’re done playing, you think, hey, there aren’t that many people who make it that far in the game. It’s something you should be proud of.”

The pass fits into a wallet, but the players don’t keep it there.

Jays bullpen coach and former Cy Young Award winner Pat Hentgen has his in a safe.

Baltimore Orioles Hall of Famer Jim Palmer has his in a dresser door in his bedroom.

Bautista said his will rest in a safe place.

Hentgen, who retired in 2004, said he has used his pass.

“It was in Detroit and I had a friend (Rob Ducey) scouting there so I got the pass out and went to see him there,” Hentgen said.

But many players consider the pass symbolic and would rarely use it for its intended purpose.

“I don’t think I ever will,” said Palmer, now a colour analyst for Orioles games.

“I have a media pass with my picture on it. Sometimes I get stopped at stadiums and then I have to explain who I used to be,” he said, laughing.

All players have identity cards with photos, and Bautista said none of them should have trouble getting into ballparks, anyway.

So, if the pass sits in a dresser drawer or in a safe and never gets used, that doesn’t mean it’s not appreciated and respected.

“It’s more of a symbol of the hard work and good fortune it takes to remain in this game,” DeRosa said.

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

Added Bautista: “Eight years is eight years.

“No matter what you do, that’s a long time, and I’m proud and honoured to have done it. And I hope I play eight more years, too. It’s a lifetime memory.

“I can walk into any stadium and someone will find a seat for me, that’s pretty cool.”

Read more about: