Steve Sax was a fixture in Los Angeles Dodgers starting lineup during the 1980s, manning second base from 1981 to 1988. The Sacramento native arrived on the scene with the likes of Mike Scioscia, Mike Marshall and Fernando Valenzuela. Together, this talented group bridged the gap between the '81 Championship team of Garvey, Cey and Dusty with the '88 title squad led by Orel Hershiser and Kirk Gibson for colorful skipper Tommy Lasorda. "Saxie" debuted in 1981 when "Fernandomania" shook L.A. to its core. The next year, he earned 1982 NL Rookie of the Year honors. The five-time All-Star had another stellar season in 1988, playing in a career-high 160 games and batting .277 with 175 hits, 70 runs and 43 stolen bags. During the '88 postseason, Sax hit safely in 11 of 12 games combined against the Mets in the NLCS and A's in the World Series.
Of course, we all know how Game 1 of the '88 Fall Classic ended. Hobbling on two bad legs, Gibson pinch-hit against Oakland's dominant closer Dennis Eckersley and somehow barreled a game-winning, two-run shot into the right-field bleachers. Pandemonium ensued at Dodgers Stadium. Vin Scully delivered his timeless call from the booth. It was voted the "Greatest Moment in Los Angeles Sports History" and is on the short list for greatest sports moment ever. Standing in the on-deck circle, with the best seat in the house for that monumental at-bat, was #3 Steve Sax.
Offered here is Steve Sax's individual player trophy memorializing the Dodgers' 1988 World Series victory over the Oakland Athletics. Led by a lights-out pitching staff anchored by Cy Young winner Orel Hershiser, the Dodgers outplayed their heavily favored interstate rivals, taking the Series in five after Gibby's Game 1 heroics. Manufactured by Balfour, the trophy measures nearly 12" tall and features brass pennants with all MLB team names around the perimeter of a large brass circle with a crown finial. A Dodgers and Athletics enameled World Series press pin facades adorn the center area with "LOS ANGELES DODGERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY PRESENTED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BASEBALL OCTOBER 20, 1988 STEVE SAX" in black lettering on the front of a brass band around the base. Comes with a letter from Steve Sax.
A portion of the auction proceeds from all items sold in the Steve Sax Collection will benefit the foundation named for Steve’s son, John, who was one of five U.S. Marines killed in a training flight accident in June 2022 in the California desert. The Capt. John J. Sax Foundation “serves to support those who choose to further their education, exploration and passion for flight."