Operation Stolen Base: Where to find episodes of new locally-produced true crime podcast
.jpg "The series from Amazing Podcast Company and Wessler Media dives into Cliff Panezich’s major sports memorabilia fraud scheme on eBay back in 2017.")
Two Ohio podcast production companies teamed up to tell the story of Youngstown native Cliff Panezich, a professional athlete, in a new limited podcast series called Operation Stolen Base.
The series from Amazing Podcast Company and Wessler Media dives into Panezich’s major sports memorabilia fraud scheme on eBay.
Panezich pleaded guilty to several counts of forgery, identity theft, fraud, theft and money laundering in 2017.
Born and raised in the suburbs of Youngstown, Panezich started as a standout catcher for Ursuline High School and Martin Methodist College.
Johnny Chechitelli, host and producer of the podcast, remembers “playing against and occasionally alongside Panezich in their days as Little League all-stars.”
Between 2010 and 2015, Panezich orchestrated a complex scheme to sell fake sports memorabilia, defrauding collectors and sports enthusiasts across the country by forging famous athletes’ signatures.
It became the largest case of domestic fraud in eBay history.
“We’re excited to bring Operation Stolen Base to true crime enthusiasts and sports fans, just in time for the MLB Playoffs,” said Chechitelli. “This is not just a story about greed and fraud but a cautionary tale that examines the blurred line between ambition and criminality.”
Operation Stolen Base premiered Oct. 4 on all major podcast platforms, with new episodes releasing every Friday morning over the next three weeks. Listeners can also visit the Operation Stolen Base website to find the latest episodes.