A feature story from October 25, 2025, highlighted Kelly Sage, known as “the Canadian card guy” among retired Canadian major league baseball players. Sage, based in Saskatoon, has amassed a unique collection of baseball cards, particularly focusing on Canadian players. Starting his collection in the early 1970s in Cardale, Manitoba, Sage estimates owning between 30,000 to 35,000 distinct Canadian player cards out of his total 50,000-card collection.
Initially stepping back from collecting when obtaining complete sets became easier, Sage reignited his passion after buying baseball card packs at a gas station on a whim. Intrigued by the scarcity and lesser-known status of Canadian players, he shifted his focus to collecting cards of Canadian-born players, drawn by the novelty of seeing compatriots in the American pastime.
Sage’s pursuit led him to actively seek autographs from retired major leaguers, eventually discovering that many lacked their own cards. His interactions with players, such as retired pitcher Denis Boucher, sparked interest and inquiries from others seeking their cards. Building relationships with players like Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins, Sage facilitates the distribution of cards for players to give away at events.
Out of approximately 260 Canadians who played in the major leagues, Sage possesses cards of around 190, with a notable portion never having cards produced for them. Collaborating with local card shops in cities hosting MLB teams, Sage acquires unique Canadian player cards from specialized sets distributed by various entities.
Beyond cards and autographs, Sage’s collection has expanded to include baseball-related memorabilia, filling his home with a diverse array of baseball artifacts. Despite the growing collection, Sage’s wife, Rhonda, accommodates his passion by having her own space for sewing and quilting. Looking ahead, Sage intends to donate his collection to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame once his collecting journey concludes.
