For generations of baseball card fans, opening a wax pack was a thrilling experience.

The excitement of the chase and the sugary gum inside were part of the joy.

Some tore the wrapper open quickly, while others revealed cards slowly.

Brian Pirrip, owner of collectible business M1NT, said the mix of scents from wax, gum, and cardboard transports people to a different time.

The wax pack became the delivery method in 1951, introduced by Topps.

Opening a pack brought "an innocent joy," Pirrip said, whether the card was a future Hall-of-Famer or a common player.

Kids would trade and carry their cards everywhere.

Baseball card collecting grew into big business in the 1980s, fueled by nostalgia and overproduction.

While modern foil wrappers offer high-value cards, Pirrip said nothing compares to tearing open a wax pack.

He has taken his love of collecting to 47 states.

At a recent event at Citi Field, he had guests open 1987 Topps packs.

Names like Nolan Ryan and Don Mattingly drew gasps, but even unknown names brought smiles.

"It instantly transports people to a happier time," Pirrip said.