ROSEVILLE, Calif. – Steve Sax, a five-time All-Star, displays only a few baseball memorabilia in his home office, showing restraint given his impressive career. Absent are his Rookie of the Year trophy, Silver Slugger Award, and World Series rings. Instead, Sax treasures possessions just out of sight, reflecting on them nostalgically on a rainy afternoon in Sacramento.
He shares an art piece made by his son – a misshapen model airplane with personal significance. John, at a young age, expressed his passion for aviation, leading him to become a successful military pilot.
John’s obsession with flying overshadowed other interests like baseball, often gazing skyward during games. Despite this, Sax remembers his son fondly, holding onto a poem John wrote for him as a child.
Tragically, John passed away in a military aircraft accident. Sax, grappling with immense grief, reminisces about his son’s life and the impact he had on those around him.
Driven by the desire to honor John’s legacy, Sax initiates the Capt. John J. Sax Family Foundation to assist aspiring aviators. The foundation aims to support young individuals with dreams like John’s, advocating for their passion for flight through grants and resources.
Though Sax navigates through stages of grief, he struggles with acceptance. The pain of losing his son remains with him, but he finds solace in the belief that they will reunite one day.
(Top image: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; Photo: Daniel Brown / The Athletic)