Podcast Examines Memorabilia Fraud Scheme Controlled by Valley Native

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A new serialized true crime podcast released Friday 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 podcast and social media company.

It’s available on all major podcast platforms with the release of episodes 1 and 2. Subsequent episodes will be released individually, every Friday morning over the next six weeks. Listeners can also find the latest episodes HERE.

The podcast’s theme song, “Chasin’,” was provided by Youngstown-based rock band The Vindys.

Born and raised in the suburbs of Youngstown, Panezich 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 fraudulent 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, codenamed 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,” said Johnny Chechitelli, who serves as both host and producer of 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.

Chechitelli worked on the nationally recognized “Crooked City” podcast, released in 2022, that detailed Youngstown’s mafia history. His Amazing Podcast Co. has produced several true crime series, including “Youngstown Mob Talk” and “The Vice Squad Podcast.”

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, creator of the “Operation Stolen Base” podcast.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.