1981 Lenn Sakata Baseball Card Topps No 287

1981 Lenn Sakata Baseball Card Topps No 287 in Excellent condition, see photos.  Lenn Sakata carved out a unique legacy over his 11-year Major League Baseball career (1977–1987), breaking barriers and cementing his name in baseball lore as a consummate utility infielder. Drafted in the first round by the Milwaukee Brewers out of Gonzaga University, the Honolulu native made history as only the second Asian American to play in the major leagues. Sakata found his greatest success after joining the Baltimore Orioles in 1980, where his defensive flexibility at shortstop and second base made him a vital cog in Earl Weaver’s and Joe Altobelli's lineups, culminating in a 100-win season in 1980 and a World Series championship in 1983. He is immortalized in Orioles history for a single, wildly bizarre game on August 24, 1983, against the Toronto Blue Jays: with the roster depleted, Sakata was forced to play catcher—a position he hadn't played since childhood. Sensing an easy target, three consecutive Blue Jays base runners took massive leads at first base, only for pitcher Tippy Martinez to pick all three of them off; Sakata then capped off the legendary night by hitting a walk-off, three-run home run in the bottom of the 10th inning. Over his career, which included later stints with the Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees, Sakata totaled 25 home runs and a .230 batting average before transitioning into a highly successful minor league managerial career, ultimately becoming the winningest manager in California League history.