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 fun.

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

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

The wax pack became the delivery method in 1951 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.

It was fueled by nostalgia and overproduction.

Modern foil wrappers offer high-value cards, but 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 takes people to a happier time," Pirrip said.