Steve Sax
In 1982, Steve Sax became the fourth consecutive Dodger to win the NL Rookie of the Year Award. A California-native, Sax nearly won the batting title in 1986, when he banged out 210 hits. He swiped 40 bases six times, and was one of the most aggresive runners in the league. Early in his career, he developed a problem throwing the ball to first base, but was still named to five All-Star teams. He left the Dodgers as a free agent after the 1988 World Series title season, hit .300 two times for the Yankees, but never had the same success elsewhere.
Quotes About Sax
"First I think, 'I hope they don't hit it to me.' Then I think 'I hope they don't hit to Sax.' " — third baseman Pedro Guerrero, when asked what went through his mind when the ball was hit.
Played For
Los Angeles Dodgers (1981-1988)
New York Yankees (1989-1991)
Chicago White Sox (1992-1993)
Oakland Athletics (1994)
Born
Stephen Louis Sax was born on January 29, 1960, in Sacramento, CA.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: 2B
Primary Team: LAN
Major League Debut
August 18, 1981
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1981
Cal Ripken Jr.
Gary Gaetti
Chili Davis
Brett Butler
Ryne Sandberg
Steve Bedrosian
Tom Brunansky
Kent Hrbek
Steve Sax
Family Tree
His older brother Dave played five seasons as a utility player, usually earning a late season call-up. Steve and Dave were teammates on the Dodgers briefly in 1982 and 1983.
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 2000 |
BBWAA |
2 |
.4% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1981 National League Championship Series
1981 National League Division Playoffs
1981 World Series
1983 National League Championship Series
1985 National League Championship Series
1988 National League Championship Series
1988 World Series
Awards and Honors
1982 NL Rookie of the Year
Feats
On June 29, 1984, Sax hit two triples and stoled home against the Cubs in Dodger Stadium.
Hitting Streaks
25 games (1986)
Transactions
June 6, 1978: Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 9th round of the 1978 amateur draft.
November 4, 1988: Granted Free Agency.
November 23, 1988: Signed as a Free Agent with the New York Yankees.
January 10, 1992: Traded by the New York Yankees to the Chicago White Sox for Melido Perez, Bob Wickman, and Domingo Jean.
April 21, 1994: Released by the Chicago White Sox.
April 30, 1994: Signed as a Free Agent with the Oakland Athletics.
October 14, 1994: Granted Free Agency.
All-Star Selections
1982 NL
1983 NL
1986 NL
1989 AL
1990 AL
Replaced
Sax was the player who finally broke up the Dodgers' long-running infield quartet of Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Bill Russell, and Ron Cey. Just prior to spring training in 1982, the Dodgers dealt second baseman Lopes to the A's for pitcher Lance Hudson.
Replaced By
When Sax signed as a free agent with the Yankees after the '88 season, the Dodgers signed their second baseman - Willie Randolph - to a contract. The switcharoo worked out better for the Yankees, as Sax had two really good seasons in his three spent in the Bronx. Randolph played one full season in LA, did okay, and was traded to Oakland the following spring.
Best Strength as a Player
Baserunning
Largest Weakness as a Player
Throwing the ball
Learn More about Steve Sax
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