Brian Pirrip: The Hobby’s Mayor Talks Baseball Cards, Ballparks & Revolutionizing Collecting

Baseball cards are more than just collectibles—they’re snapshots of history, moments frozen in time, and bridges between generations. Few people understand this better than Brian Pirrip, the founder of M1nt, a company redefining card storage and display with premium cases.

On his third visit to Jay Bird Watching Podcast, Brian shared insights into the evolution of collecting, his travels across the U.S. visiting card shops, and how M1nt is changing the game for hobbyists worldwide. Along the way, he dove into legendary baseball moments, including his love for the Dodgers, World Series memories, and the thrill of giving away packs at stadiums.

For the full podcast episode, please go to youtube.com/@birdwatchinggc and subscribe for future updates. Audio can be found on any site you receive your podcast pleasures from as well.

M1nt: How Brian Pirrip is Revolutionizing Collecting

Collectors have long relied on top loaders and one-touch cases, but Brian saw a gap in the market. M1nt’s premium cases offer UV protection, strong magnets, and sleek, modern designs that elevate card display beyond traditional storage methods.

"I hated how top loaders and one-touches felt outdated," Brian explained. "With M1nt, we engineered cases that truly protect and showcase cards—no more rattling, no more worrying about corners getting damaged."

His mission is simple: Make collecting better, more innovative, and more enjoyable.

The Evolution of Sports Cards & Collecting Culture

Brian has witnessed firsthand how collecting has evolved over the years, transitioning from local card shop communities to high-end investment markets. While graded cards and monetary value have taken center stage, he champions the nostalgia and personal connections behind every card.

"People aren’t just collecting for value—they’re collecting for the memories, the stories, the connections," Brian noted.

His travel adventures visiting card shops across the country reveal just how varied and diverse the hobby has become, from historic, family-run stores to modern, sleek boutiques.

Ballparks, Baseball Cards & The Dodger Stadium Story

One of Brian’s favorite traditions is giving away packs of baseball cards at stadiums, a movement that started organically at Dodger Stadium in 2021.

"I had a box of ‘89 Topps with me, handed out a pack, and within minutes, people were trading cards mid-game. It was like an instant community forming right there in the stands," he recalled.

Since then, he’s taken the tradition to multiple ballparks, watching how fans bond over trading cards, proving that collecting isn’t just about having the cards—it’s about the experience.

Freddie Freeman’s World Series Magic & Blue Jays Parallels

During the episode, Brian reflected on the Dodgers’ long-awaited World Series win, emphasizing how Freddie Freeman’s home run mirrored Kirk Gibson’s legendary 1988 blast.

"It was the perfect poetic moment—Freeman was hurt, just like Gibson had been, and he still launched that home run. It felt like history repeating itself," Brian shared.

As a lifelong Dodgers fan, he admitted he still holds deep admiration for Kevin Kiermaier and Teoscar Hernández, former Blue Jays now impacting LA’s roster.

Brian Pirrip isn’t just a collector—he’s a storyteller, a hobby innovator, and the unofficial mayor of the collecting world. His journey with M1nt, his travels across the country visiting card shops, and his unforgettable ballpark moments all contribute to his mission of making collecting more meaningful, connected, and enjoyable.

Whether he’s handing out packs at a stadium, talking baseball with fans, or building the future of hobby cases, Brian is bringing new life to the world of sports card collecting—and we’re all lucky to be along for the ride.