Steve Sax was a fixture in Los Angeles Dodgers starting lineup during the 1980s, manning second base from 1981 to 1988. The Sacramento native drafted right out of high school arrived on the scene alongside the likes of Mike Scioscia, Mike Marshall and Fernando Valenzuela for affable manager Tommy Lasorda. "Saxie" debuted in 1981 when "Fernandomania" shook L.A. to its core. Appearing in 31 games during the strike-shortened season, Sax batted .277 with a pair of homers and 15 runs scored in 115 official at-bats. The next year, the speedy 22-year-old earned 1982 NL Rookie of the Year honors with a monter offensive output that included 180 hits, 88 runs and 49 stolen bases.
Offered here is Steve Sax's individual player trophy memorializing the Dodgers' 1981 World Series victory over the New York Yankees. Manufactured by Balfour, it measures almost 12" tall and features brass pennants with all MLB team names around the perimeter of a large brass circle with a crown finial. Dodgers and Yankees enameled World Series press pin facades adorn the center area with "LOS ANGELES DODGERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY PRESENTED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BASEBALL OCTOBER 28, 1981 STEVE SAX" in black lettering on the front of a brass band around the base. The trophy shows light wear with no condition issues to speak of, and comes with a letter from Steve Sax.
Led by the bats of Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, and Pedro Guerrero, the Dodgers outplayed the favored Yankees to take the '81 World Series in six games. Rookie sensation Fernando Valenzuela won his only start, a 5-4 complete-game in Game 3. Being a late-season call-up, Sax only appeared in four postseason games for L.A. primarily as a defensive replacement. He did get one at-bat in Game 1 of the Fall Classic. He saw one pitch from Yankees starter Ron Guidry and flied out to center.
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."