Sometimes, you just have to go pack in time.
Yes, you read that correctly. Going “pack in time” is the brainchild of MLB Network host Greg Amsinger, who played the game -- though perhaps not with that name at the time -- as a kid with his friends.
The object was to randomly pull baseball cards from a stack that didn’t include any Hall of Famers or current players. In other words, guys who were great ballplayers we might not have heard from in a long time.
Now, that idea has become an MLB Network show. Premiering this Sunday at 1:30 p.m. ET, “Pack in Time” will air every Sunday during the offseason, bringing fans a fresh and nostalgic twist on baseball storytelling.
Amsinger, an avid baseball card collector, will be pulling three cards randomly each week and discussing the players along with highlights from their careers. He’ll then interview the player featured on the third card he takes from the stack.
“Growing up, I loved collecting baseball cards,” Amsinger said. “There was history in every pack. Now imagine pulling a few from the deck and having a real-life conversation with some of your cardboard heroes. ‘Pack in Time’ is a baseball fantasy come to life!”
Indeed, and the guests for the first three episodes will be seven-time All-Star slugger Nelson Cruz (this Sunday), two-time All-Star shortstop and former No. 1 overall Draft pick Shawon Dunston (Dec. 21) and three-time Gold Glove center fielder Mike Cameron (Dec. 28).
Following the airing of each “Pack in Time” episode, it will be available on MLB Network’s YouTube channel.
It’s always fun to find out what some of the great ballplayers of the past are up to these days and also hear them reminisce about their time on the field.
Don’t miss this fun new series in which you’ll hear untold stories, updates and reflections from players whose careers left a lasting imprint on baseball fans everywhere.