Topps Hobby Rip Night a big hit on National Trading Card Day

Saturday was National Trading Card Day and sports card collectors and hobbyists celebrated by descending upon more than 400 hobby shops across the country to open packs, trade cards and meet some of the biggest names in sports during Topps Hobby Rip Night.

The event centered on the release of Topps Series 1, Topps’ flagship baseball series that was released on Feb. 14.

MLB star Ronald Acuna Jr. signs a photo of himself on a box of Topps Series 1 Baseball at Blue Breaks in Venice, Fla. during Topps Hobby Rip Night. Fanatics

Also See: Topps Series 1 kicks off baseball season with bright, new, electric design

Kids, collectors and hobbyists from around the country were able to meet such sports stars as: MLB stars Ronald Acuna Jr. and Corbin Carroll; NBA star Kevin Durant; NFL QBs Joe Burrow, Anthony Richardson and Bryce Young; and such sports legends as Tom Brady, Chipper Jones and Darryl Strawberry. Collectors engaged with athletes and celebrities as they ripped open packs and participated in such events as pack wards, raffles, giveaways, Q&As, and had access to special merchandise at their favorite hobby shops.

Hobby shops and athletes and celebrities who participated included:

• Tom Brady and Dylan Harper (Skybox Collectibles at Citi Field in NY)

Tom Brady greets collectors at Skybox Collectibles at Citi Field in NY. Fanatics

• Kevin Durant, Odell Beckham Jr. and Joe Burrow (Rip Valley in Phoenix)

Also See: Our NBA all-time All-Hobby team

• Ronald Acuña Jr (Blue Breaks in Venice, Fla.)

Ronald Acuña Jr. meets young collectors at Blue Breaks in Venice, Fla. Fanatics

Also See: Card shows go global at London Card Show

• Meek Mill and Chipper Jones (Cards HQ in Atlanta)

Sports Card Investor Geoff Wilson (left) with rapper Meek Mill and Chipper Jones at CardsHQ in Atlanta. Fanatics

• Corbin Carroll (Valleywide Cards in Phoenix)

• Robert Kraft (World Champion Sports Cards in West Palm Beach, Fla.)