Known as "the one-wall kingpin", Steve Sandler won the U.S. Handball Association Singles Championship in 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1973 and 1981, and was elected to the Handball Hall of Fame in 1985.

He is remembered as much for his domination of one-wall handball as for his entertaining challenge matches. At the top of his game, considered handball's best volleyer, server and shooter, he was also known to play with such handicaps as one hand tied behind his back or using only his backhand.

Sandler also won the AAU singles championship in 1961, 1966, 1967, 1969, 1971, 1972, and 1974.