For those who prefer their sports memorabilia with a dose of pop culture, it's hard to top The Simpsons "Homer at the Bat" (Season 3, Episode 17) show that aired Feb. 20, 1992. Homer’s “Wonderbat” made from of a fallen tree struck by lightning (a.k.a. Roy Hobbs’ “Wonderboy” from The Natural) had made him the star of the Springfield Power Plant Softball Team until his secret weapon breaks in batting practice before their biggest game. Luckily, Mr. Burns has hedged by mischievously hiring nine "ringers" to work odd jobs at the plant and be eligible to play on his team so that the greedy mogul could cash in on a $1 million bet with his rival capitalist behemoth from Shelbyville. That's where Steve Sax and eight other early 1990s baseball stars come in, producing one of the most memorable episodes of The Simpsons on record – and certainly the franchise's greatest professional sports-themed show in its ongoing 34-year history.
The recording sessions with these pro ballplayers were enjoyable for the most part, save for a few ego-driven hiccups. (Canseco was reportedly ordering rewrites and generally playing the diva that he was.) The episode concludes with every MLB player except Strawberry getting involved in a crazy incident that prevented them from playing in the big game, allowing Homer to become the hero once again when he gets plunked with the based loaded (and knocked unconscious) to bring home the winning run. Steve Sax – then a member of the Yankees – gets charged with several murders in New York, prompting him to retort, “But there’s hundreds of unsolved murders in New York City.”
For their efforts, all nine players – Sax, Canseco, Don Mattingly, Darryl Strawberry, Roger Clemens, Ken Griffey Jr., Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs and Mike Scioscia – received a personal copy of the 7/5/1991 dated table script of the popular episode. On the front page, each now-famous voice actor has signed and inscribed a personal message to Mr. Sax.
Starting from the top left is Dan Castellaneta, "Hey Steve, You're on the Yankees now, Right? Okay then. Go Yanks. Homer Simpson." Next is Harry Shearer, "Steve – Just do what Mr. Steinbrenner says and you'll be just fine! C.M. Burns." Nancy Cartwright writes in red marker, "Steve – My sister really grooves on you, man!! The "Sax-Man! Your pal, Bart." Yeardley Smith writes, "Dear Steve, I think you're cuter than Kevin Maas – he scares me. Your pal, Lisa Simpson." Julie Kavner writes, "Mr. Sax, Even though I'm a married woman – I couldn't agree with my daughter more! Nice to have met you – Peace. Marge Simpson." Last but not least, on the bottom right, is Hank Azaria's message, "Hey Steve, Good luck this year. It's a real thrill to have you on the show. Go Yanks! Moe & Apu."
The script has a purple cover and green pages. An unsigned photocopy in white pages, dated 7/12/1991, is also included. Sax has provided a letter of provenance and PSA/DNA will provide a full LOA for the autos.
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."