Kelly Sage, known as “the Canadian card guy” among retired Canadian Major League Baseball players, has amassed an impressive collection of baseball cards over the years. Starting his collection in the 1970s in Cardale, Man., Sage now estimates he has between 30,000 and 35,000 distinct cards of Canadian players out of his total of around 50,000 cards.
After taking a break from collecting when acquiring complete sets became more convenient, Sage reignited his passion by purchasing baseball card packs at a gas station for nostalgia’s sake. This led him to focus on collecting cards of Canadian-born players, finding it more intriguing due to their relative scarcity and lesser-known status compared to American players.
Sage’s dedication to his collection goes beyond mere acquisition. He actively seeks out retired major leaguers to have them sign cards, often discovering that many of them lack their own cards. Building relationships with players like Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins, Sage sends them cards to distribute at camps and clinics, fostering connections with his childhood heroes.
Despite the challenges of finding cards for players who never had their own, Sage has established ties with local card shops in cities with MLB teams to source unique sets featuring Canadian players. His collection has grown to include signed memorabilia, movie posters, and other baseball-related items, filling his home with baseball nostalgia.
While Sage’s collection continues to expand, his ultimate plan is to donate it to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame once his collecting days are over. His passion for preserving the legacy of Canadian baseball players shines through his meticulous curation and dedication to honoring their contributions to the sport.