Books and articles about Steve Sax

The Dodgers broke up baseball's longest-running infield by trading second baseman Davey Lopes following their 1981 World Championship in order to give Sax a chance. Sax responded by winning the NL Rookie of the Year Award in 1982, the fourth consecutive season the honor was earned by a Dodger; he hit .282, set a Dodger rookie record with 49 stolen bases, and led the club with 638 at-bats, 88 runs, and 180 hits.

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An enthusiastic player, Sax once broke coach Joey Amalfitano's finger with a high five while rounding third base on a game-winning homer. In 1983, he mysteriously became unable to make throws to first on easy plays, prompting a clubhouse exchange between manager Tom Lasorda and third baseman Pedro Guerrero: "Pedro, what do you think about when the ball is hit?" Answered Guerrero, "First I think, `I hope they don't hit it to me.' Then I think `I hope they don't hit to Sax.' "

A 25-game hitting streak in September 1986 brought Sax within two points of a batting title; he finished at .332, as Tim Raines batted .334.

Sax became a free agent after the Dodgers' 1988 World Championship and signed with the Yankees. Steve and older brother Dave, a catcher, played on the same minor league team for four straight seasons, and Dave had brief stays with the Dodgers in 1982 and 1983. (TG)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » August 13, 1951: Where's Steve Sax when you need him? At Ebbets Field, the Dodgers offer up one of the odder promotions in "Music Depreciation Night," and every fan with a musical instrument is admitted free. 2,426 fans take advantage of the offer, including one with a piano. The Dodgers have a motive in countering the local musicians' union which wants to silence the non-union Sym-Phoney. The Dodgers outplay the Braves, 7–6, as Gil Hodges belts a 3-run homer in the 8th, following an intentional walk to Campanella, who had earlier homered. » November 22, 1982: 2B Steve Sax is named National League Rookie of the Year, the 4th consecutive Dodger to win the award. Sax hit .282 and stole 49 bases as Davey Lopes' replacement in the Los Angeles infield. » July 20, 1983: Steve Sax's errant throw on a double play ball helps the Pirates' cause, as they beat the Dodgers 7–3. For Sax, it his 26th error of the season. He'll reach 30, then go the last 57 games without a miscue. » June 29, 1984: In Los Angeles, Steve Sax hits a 1st inning triple, then swipes home, and Orel Hershiser scatters nine hits to lead the Dodgers past the Cubs and Rick Sutcliffe 7–1. Hershiser will not miss another start until he injures his shoulder in 1990, and Sutcliffe will not lose again in the regular season. » November 23, 1988: Free-agent 2B Steve Sax leaves the World Champion Dodgers and signs a 3-year contract with the Yankees. » December 10, 1988: Free-agent Willie Randolph signs with the Dodgers. He will replace Steve Sax in the lineup, who earlier this month signed with Randolph's former club, the Yankees. » January 10, 1992: The Yankees trade 2B Steve Sax to the White Sox in exchange for P Melido Perez, Domingo Jean and Bob Wickman.