YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A new serialized true crime podcast released Oct. 4 uncovers the stunning story of a massive sports memorabilia fraud ring and the Mahoning Valley man at its center.
“Operation Stolen Base” delves into the story of Cliff Panezich, an aspiring professional baseball player, whose once-promising career was thrown out before becoming the mastermind behind the largest sports memorabilia fraud ring in eBay history.
The podcast was created and produced by Youngstown-based Amazing Podcast Co. and Wessler Media, a Columbus-based media company.
It is available on all major podcast platforms, with the release of episodes 1 and 2. Subsequent episodes will be released individually over the six weeks. Listeners can also visit OperationStolenBase.com to find the latest episodes.
Panezich, born and raised in the suburbs of Youngstown, seemed destined for success on the baseball diamond as a standout catcher for Ursuline High School and later at Martin Methodist College. But his journey would stray from the base paths to a life of crime, once he realized he was just as good at forging famous athletes’ signatures.
Between 2010 and 2015, Panezich orchestrated a complex scheme to sell fake sports memorabilia, defrauding collectors and sports enthusiasts across the country. The operation pulled in millions of dollars and involved a network of conspirators large enough to fill out a baseball roster – including his own mother – before it was all exposed through a lengthy investigation conducted by local police and the FBI.
The investigation, code-named Operation Stolen Base, culminated in Panezich’s arrest and eventual guilty plea on charges of aggravated theft, identity fraud, money laundering, telecommunications fraud, and forgery.
“We’re excited to bring Operation Stolen Base to true crime enthusiasts and sports fans, just in time for the MLB playoffs,” says Johnny Chechitelli, who serves as host and producer on the series. “This is not just a story about greed and fraud but a cautionary tale that examines the blurred line between ambition and criminality.”
It’s also a story that hit close to home for Chechitelli, who played against (and occasionally alongside) Panezich in their days as Little League all-stars.
Vince Tornero, co-producer of “Operation Stolen Base,” says the podcast “offers a gripping exploration of this case and unheard audio and accounts from those closest to it.”
Pictured at top: Johnny Chechitelli hosts the podcast.