Chris Sale's Pokémon Obsession: Inside the MLB Pitcher's Epic Card Collection
Chris Sale, a Major League Baseball player, faced a series of injuries that left him unable to play and frustrated. To distract himself, he turned to collecting Pokémon cards, a hobby he had missed out on during the Pokémon craze of the late 1990s. Sale started his collection by purchasing a 1999 Base Set Charizard card, and since then, he has amassed thousands of Pokémon cards, many of which are graded as gem-mint 10s by Professional Sports Authenticators. Sale's collection is stored in his "Pokémon lair" in his attic, where he keeps his prized cards and unopened boxes.
Sale is not the only MLB player who is passionate about Pokémon cards. Players like Jacob Misiorowski, Mike Trout, Zach Neto, Jordan Montgomery, Jake Burger, Jameson Taillon, Nick Pivetta, and Will Klein are also avid collectors. Pokémon cards have become a valuable and sought-after collectible, with vintage packs costing thousands of dollars and individual cards selling for tens of thousands or more. The popularity of Pokémon among baseball players reflects the growing acceptance of nerd culture in the sports world.
Sale and Misiorowski, both accomplished pitchers in MLB, share a love for Pokémon that transcends their on-field success. Despite their age difference, Sale and Misiorowski bond over their mutual appreciation for Pokémon, a franchise that has evolved into a massive media empire since its inception in 1996. Sale's collection has grown in value over the years, and he continues to actively seek out new additions to his Pokémon card collection, often engaging in pack-ripping sessions with his sons at a local hobby shop.
While Sale keeps his Pokémon obsession relatively private, his collection has garnered attention from fellow players in MLB. Players often request autographs from Sale, and he has received various items for signing, including Pokémon cards. Sale's generosity and love for Pokémon were evident when he gifted a Lugia card to Misiorowski, a fellow Pokémon enthusiast, at the All-Star Game. Pokémon has become a unifying force among players, as seen in pack-opening sessions and shared excitement over rare card pulls.
The thrill of collecting Pokémon cards is not lost on Sale, who finds joy in completing sets and hunting for elusive cards. Despite setbacks in grading his cards, Sale remains determined to achieve the highest grades possible. His dedication to his collection and the Pokémon franchise exemplifies the passion and competitive spirit that drive his success both on and off the field. In the world of Pokémon, Sale sees a reflection of his own journey, where perseverance and determination lead to victory.