A look at films and television series that are repeating themselves on a regular basis. I thought I had an original idea, exploring nostalgia and innocence of the baseball I remember as a child. Accomplishing that by using the randomness and assistance of a pack from my early days of collecting and seeking out the players and their stories.
My thoughts of having had an original idea were taken away with the discovery of a book by Brad Balukjian, The Wax Pack: On the Open Road in Search of Baseball's Afterlife. Balukjian uses a pack of 1986 Topps to guide his journey and storytelling.
Why do a review of a book released four years ago? A little history and an idea for other collectors that I would pass along to the community. While in college, my three roommates and I would exchange gifts with each other, and to keep poor college kid costs down we had to give one gift to each roommate, in where each person would receive three total gifts: a practical gift, a book and a gag gift. This inspired me to review a book that many collectors may not have come across but could find as a quality read that is collecting focused.
The Review
The Wax Pack is a memoir of the author’s journey to reconnect with his childhood love of baseball. Balukjian’s quest begins when he purchases a pack of cards, like many collectors, a connection to his youth. This nostalgia sparks a road trip across America, where he sets out to find and interview the players featured in that pack. The journey takes Balukjian beyond the physical highways and byways of America; it becomes an exploration of identity.
Balukjian’s writing is engaging and accessible, balancing humor with poignant reflections. He effortlessly shifts between his personal experiences and the stories of the players he meets. The book is structured around each player from the pack, allowing for a dynamic narrative that combines travelogue elements with biographical sketches. Each chapter is dedicated to a different player, creating a connection of stories that highlight the interconnectedness of baseball and culture.
Each chapter dedicated to a player offers a blend of biography and personal anecdote. Balukjian provides insight into their careers, struggles, and triumphs, while also relating their stories to his own life. Balukjian’s trip in the summer of 2015, spanned 11,341 miles through thirty states in forty-eight days. Actively engaging with his subjects, he took a hitting lesson from Rance Mulliniks, watched kung fu movies with Garry Templeton, and went to the zoo with Don Carman.
The author’s conversational tone invites readers into his world, making them feel as if they are on the journey with him. Balukjian’s enthusiasm for the game makes the reader want to continue through each chapter and see where the next card takes him. He describes the thrill of opening the pack, the smell of the cards, and the nostalgia that comes back with each player’s name. His passion will resonate with anyone who cherishes the hobby or passion for the game and its characters.
One of the book’s central themes is nostalgia, particularly how it shapes our understanding of the past. Balukjian’s journey is a quest not just for the players, but for the innocence and joy of his childhood. Each encounter with a player is entangled in personal nostalgia, as he reflects on what baseball meant to him growing up. Through interviews with former stars, he reveals the human side of these athletes, showing how their lives have evolved since their days on the field. From the endearing boisterous charm of Randy Ready to the fiery Carman.
The players, now removed from the spotlight, share candid reflections on their careers and lives after baseball. Balukjian captures their vulnerabilities and joys, revealing that even sports heroes grapple with the challenges of life. This humanization of athletes enriches the narrative and fosters a sense of connection between the reader, the author, and the players.
Beyond personal stories, The Wax Pack also serves as a commentary on the cultural significance of baseball in America. Balukjian uses his experiences within baseball history and its role in shaping national identity.
The author also reflects on the changing landscape of baseball itself, considering how the game has evolved since his childhood. This exploration prompts readers to think critically about the future of the sport and its place in American culture. Balukjian’s insights resonate with both long-time baseball fans and those new to the game, making the book accessible to a wide audience.
The Wax Pack is more than just a book about baseball; it is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to grow up, to cherish memories, and to find joy in simple pleasures. Balukjian’s journey resonates on multiple levels, capturing the essence of nostalgia while also inviting readers to reflect on their own lives and passions.
In a world where the pace of life often feels overwhelming, Balukjian’s narrative offers a gentle reminder of the beauty of slowing down and appreciating the moments that shape us. The Wax Pack is a celebration of baseball, memory, and the indelible connections that bind us to our pasts. It is a book that will resonate with anyone who has ever held a beloved artifact of their youth close to their heart, making it a must-read for baseball fans and card collectors alike.
The Wax Pack, published in 2020, was an LA Times Bestseller and 2020 NPR Best Book of the Year.
About the Author
Balukjian earned his Ph.D. in entomology from UC Berkeley. For ten years, Brad taught biology and Environmental Management at Laney and Merritt Colleges in Oakland, California. He is now the Project leader of the Manuanu Project, a Research Associate at the California Academy of Sciences. His follow-up book The Six Pack: On the Open Road in Search of Wrestlemania, released earlier this year.
If you are interested in other books about cards, collecting and stories beyond the cards, I would recommend The Bubble Gum War by Dean Hanley and Mint Condition by Dave Jamieson.
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