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.) 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 this Simpsons World: The Ultimate Episode Guide, Seasons 1-20 book courtesy of show creator Matt Groening and his production crew. It came with a personal signed note from Groening, dated Dec. 5, 2010, with the message, "Dear Steve, Couldn't have done it without you!"
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.”
The massive 1,200 page book literally provides a detailed synopsis of each Simpsons episode in the first 20 seasons, from the show's premier on Dec. 17, 1989 through May 17, 2009. A lengthy index and appendix at the end chronicles all characters and voice actors, songs sung, fictional merchandise brands associated with the show (Duff Beer, Krustee The Clown, Itchy & Stratchy, etc.) and other details. The "Homer at the Bat" episode summary is on pages 138-39. Sax has signed and inscribed one of the publisher pages in the opening pages with his funny aforementioned line inscribed in black Sharpie. The book slides into its included red bookcase for proper storage and safekeeping. Both items come in essentially mint condition. Sax has provided a letter of provenance and PSA/DNA has certified both autographs (Groening & 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."