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MLB expands use of Passbook for mobile ticketing -- report

The league will allow iOS users to get their paperless tickets and redeem them at 13 ballparks.

Don Reisinger
CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
Don Reisinger
Apple's Passbook at the ballpark.
Apple's Passbook at the ballpark. James Martin/CNET

Major League Baseball (MLB) is increasing its reliance on Apple's Passbook application, according to a new report.

This year, 13 teams will allow customers to buy paperless tickets and redeem them through Apple's Passbook. The Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, and Chicago Cubs are among the new teams to support the application, according to GigaOm, which spoke with MLB officials on the move. Two more teams will be announced soon.

MLB gave a tryout to Apple's electronic ticketing system last year with four teams. Out of the 1,500 e-ticket buyers, 12 percent chose to receive their tickets via Passbook.

Last year, CNET's Josh Lowensohn tried Passbook out at a San Francisco Giants game. He found that while the service wasn't totally paperless -- it printed out a receipt -- it did alert him to any changes that might arise during the game and deliver location-based features.

Passbook doesn't only work with MLB games. The app works with Starbucks purchases, movie tickets, and Amtrak tickets, among others.