government
Stacks and stacks of wax packs, now obsolete, summon the joy of baseball-card childhoods
By Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com)
· July 15, 2026
· 3 min read
By HOWIE RUMBERG
The Associated Press
NEW YORK The anticipation. The chase. The powdery, sugar-coated board of gum! For generations of baseball card fans, there was nothing like scrounging up some change and sprinting to the store to buy a wax pack.
Some tore the slightly tacky paper wrapper open...
Key takeaway Some tore the slightly tacky paper wrapper open and flipped through the cards in an insatiable instant (hence the popular phrase “ripping wax” for opening card packs even today, about 35 years since use of actual wax wrappers ceased).
Why this matters in The Odessa
The nostalgia of ripping open a wax pack of baseball cards is a feeling that transcends generations and geographic locations, including here in Odessa . For many locals, the thrill of collecting and trading cards is a cherished childhood memory that evokes memories of summertime, friendship, and America's favorite pastime. As the Permian Basin's own baseball enthusiasts recall their favorite players and teams, the resurgence of interest in vintage baseball cards may inspire a new wave of collectors in the area. With the region's strong sense of community and family-friendly atmosphere, it's likely that local card collectors will gather to share and trade their favorite cards, rekindling the excitement of discovering a rare gem or completing a set. As the hobby continues to evolve, Odessa's baseball fans may find new ways to connect with the game and with each other through the timeless joy of collecting baseball cards.
About this story
Original reporting by Odessa American (oaoa.com) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Odessa American (oaoa.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: Odessa American (oaoa.com) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By HOWIE RUMBERG
The Associated Press
NEW YORK The anticipation. The chase. The powdery, sugar-coated board of gum! For generations of baseball card fans, there was nothing like scrounging up some change and sprinting to the store to buy a wax pack.
Some tore the slightly tacky paper wrapper open...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by Odessa American (oaoa.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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