Steve Sax batted leadoff for the Dodgers against the Montreal Expos at Dodger Stadium on August 29, 1987. He went 1 for 3 in the game with a single and stolen base, but the hit was a monumental one for him: #1,000 of his career. The milestone knock to came off Expos reliever Jeff Parrett in the bottom of the 7th inning. Sax has signed the bat and ball used for the hit and offered as a pair in this lot.
The Steve Sax Louisville Slugger 'S2' pro model ash bat shows heavy game use with ball, cleat and bat rack marks galore throughout, yet remains un-cracked. Remnants of pine tar or Mota stick cover the handle and midsection. the bottom of the barrel is notated with the milestone hit, pitcher, opponent and game date. Sax has autographed the front barrel next to his insignia stamp in bold black Sharpie. The knob end has Sax's No. "3" marked in black and the barrel end has "1000th Hit" penned in black ink as well. There are three severe gouge marks (likely from shoe spikes) on the front barrel, perfectly depicting the hardcore gamer that Saxie was throughout his 14-year career.
The ONL (Bart Giamatti) baseball displays heavy soiling and game use with a large "1000" on the sweet spot along with the game date and settings on the north and south panels, respectively, all done in blue marker. Sax has autographed the east panel in blue ballpoint for good measure. Both items are certified by PSA/DNA for the autographs. The bat would surely receive a high grade from John Taube.
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."