Yup, the $13.47 shift lever. I have heard of this part breaking before.
Shoving it into gear without the engine running is probably the #1 cause to kill it. If the Dog gear doesn't sync with the ring gears properly it puts pressure on this piece as well as all of the linkage. (Shift shaft, Shifter pins, control cables etc.) I think shift rod height out of whack could possibly cause it to be in a bind also. This is the lever and cradle.
90 Johnson Lower Unit 002.jpg