Kelly Sage, known as “the Canadian card guy” among retired Canadian major league baseball players, is renowned for his vast collection of baseball cards. With an estimated 30,000 to 35,000 distinct cards of Canadian players out of his total 50,000 cards, Sage’s journey began in the early 1970s in Cardale, Man., when he was just a young child. His fascination with collecting baseball cards was sparked by encountering a card of Bob Bailey from the Montreal Expos in his first pack, a card he still cherishes.
After taking a hiatus from collecting, Sage reignited his passion by purchasing baseball card packs on a whim, reigniting his interest in Canadian players in the MLB. This led him to focus on collecting cards of Canadian-born players, finding the rarity and lesser-known status of these players intriguing in the American pastime.
Sage’s dedication to collecting extended beyond mere cards, as he started sending cards to retired players for autographs, only to discover that many lacked their own cards. This revelation prompted him to seek out players like Denis Boucher, a former Toronto Blue Jay and Montreal Expo pitcher, to sign his cards, fostering unexpected connections with these baseball legends.
Word of Sage’s collection quickly spread among players, leading to requests for their cards and establishing a unique bond between Sage and the baseball community. His relationships with players like Fergie Jenkins have evolved into a mission to provide cards for giveaways at camps and clinics, bringing joy to both the players and Sage himself.
Sage’s collection includes cards of approximately 190 out of the 260 Canadians who have played in the major leagues. To source these unique cards, he has cultivated partnerships with local card shops in cities hosting MLB teams, ensuring he secures cards from special local sets distributed by entities like police officers and newspapers.
From signed memorabilia to a library of baseball-related items, Sage’s collection has expanded to encompass various aspects of the game. His passion has transformed his home into a shrine to baseball, a fact not lost on visitors who marvel at the dedication displayed in every corner.
Kelly Sage’s wife, Rhonda, supports his passion, acknowledging the balance between his collection and her own hobbies. As the collection continues to grow, plans are in place for its eventual donation to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing Sage’s enduring legacy in the baseball community.