The 2022 Topps Rip baseball card set offers collectors an exciting new way to open packs of cards. Topps Rip features innovative packaging that allows collectors to literally rip open the packs, providing a thrilling unboxing experience unlike traditional wax packs or boxes. The cards themselves continue Topps’ tradition of quality designs showcasing today’s top MLB stars.
Topps Rip was released in late March 2022, with distribution primarily through hobby shops and select retail outlets. The release timing coincided with the start of the new MLB season. The set includes a wide range of parallels and insert cards that make for an engaging chase throughout the year. Topps Rip has been well received by the baseball card community for its fresh take on the traditional pack opening ritual.
Inside each Topps Rip pack is a sealed foil wrapper. Collectors tear or cut open this wrapper to reveal the cards hidden within. Unlike wax packs where the wrapper must remain intact, Topps Rip packaging encourages collectors to literally rip into it. This adds an element of surprise to the reveal that has resonated with fans both young and old. The cards are protected inside the foil to prevent damage during the rip.
The base Topps Rip set includes 386 total cards featuring current MLB players from all 30 teams. The standard base cards use design styles similar to recent Topps flagship releases, with clean photography and team logos prominently displayed. Rookies and prospects are also included throughout the base set numbers. Parallels and short prints provide chase cards for advanced collectors.
Among the most coveted parallels in 2022 Topps Rip are the Rainbow Foil cards, which feature vibrant color-shifting foil effects on a small selection of star players. These 1-of-1 parallels instantly become the crown jewels of any collection. Also popular are the Gold Foil parallels limited to only 10 copies each. Topps Rip also includes Silver Foil, Green Foil, and Orange Foil parallels at various serial number thresholds.
In addition to the base cards, Topps Rip insert sets provide collectors with opportunities to build complete mini-collections on favorite players or themes. Among the most popular inserts so far have been the Retro Finest parallels, which use a stylized design inspired by past Topps Finest sets on today’s elite talents. Also well received are the Topps Heritage inserts showcasing players in vintage uniforms designs from the early days of Topps cardboard.
Autograph and memorabilia cards give collectors chances to land one-of-a-kind signed pieces from their favorite stars. Topps Rip features Autograph parallels signed directly on the card, as well as “Hits” cards that pair a standard base card with a swatch of game-used fabric. Numbered to typically 99 copies or less, these autographed and memorabilia cards have proven to be some of the set’s most sought-after chase cards.
Beyond the on-card content, Topps Rip has resonated due to its innovative packaging concept. Allowing collectors to literally “rip” into packs as the name implies has created a uniquely thrilling unboxing experience. The sealed foil wrapping maintains the surprise element of traditional packs. But the ability to tear into packs adds a tactile element that makes the reveal more exciting. Both experienced collectors and those just starting to open packs have enjoyed this fresh take.
As the 2022 MLB season progresses, Topps Rip continues to be a hotly anticipated release at local card shops. Hobby box breaks hosted on YouTube and other platforms showcase the excitement of ripping packs for a virtual audience. Topps parallels like Gold Foils and 1/1 Rainbows become instant trade bait or keepsakes in personal collections when pulled. The set has succeeded in breathing new life into the timeless tradition of opening packs of baseball cards.
Whether collecting for investment, team affinity, or the thrill of the chase, Topps Rip has proven to be one of the most engaging and talked about releases of 2022 so far. Its innovative packaging combined with the high quality cardboard and numerous parallel and insert sets provide something for collectors of all levels. As the MLB season heads toward October, Topps Rip is sure to remain a primary focus of the baseball card community throughout the second half of the year.
