George Steinbrenner’s Death Triggers Outpouring of Memories
No matter what clubhouse your loyalty in baseball resides, Steinbrenner had his fingerprint everywhere. He rebuilt the New York Yankees into a sports empire, a franchise to be modeled after in all of professional sports, and delivered to the city of New York seven World Series titles and 11 American League pennants after his reign began in 1973.
And he did it his own way.
A statement from the Steinbrenner family read, "It is with profound sadness that the family of George M. Steinbrenner III announces his passing. He passed away this morning in Tampa, Fla., at age 80. He was a visionary and a giant in the world of sports. He took a great but struggling franchise and turned it into a champion again."
The statements trickling in on the airwaves on sports radio and national television all day on Tuesday said so much about a man who revolutionized the grand world of sports.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said of George Steinbrenner, "I'll never forget his energy and the pride he had for getting to be a part of the New York Yankees tradition. It was inspiration." Jones went on to say, "George's family was always so involved and he operated his business with close hand people. He had such loyalty. His will to win was unparalleled. I know he's looking down and really proud that his family has had the opportunity to learn together, and be a part of the success of the Yankees, now and in the future."
Yankees great Yogi Berra, whose ups and downs with Steinbrenner over the years were well-chronicled, released a statement: "George was The Boss, make no mistake. He built the Yankees into champions and that's something nobody can ever deny. He was a very generous, caring, passionate man. George and I had our differences, but who didn't? We became great friends over the last decade and I will miss him very much."
Nine days after his 80th birthday celebration, Steinbrenner passed away, leaving behind his family and friends, and a powerhouse valued at perhaps $1.6 billion. But most of all, he left a legacy that will be untouched in professional sports for many years to come.
Baseball commissioner Bud Selig, a colleague and dear friend to Steinbrenner, released this statement: "On behalf of Baseball, I am very saddened by the passing this morning of George Steinbrenner. George was a giant of the game and his devotion to baseball was surpassed only by his devotion to his family and his beloved New York Yankees. He was and always will be as much of a New York Yankee as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford and all of the other Yankee legends."
The baseball family will gather in Los Angeles at Angel Stadium on Tuesday night for the All-Star Game. How appropriate, and how fitting a farewell, to Mr. George Steinbrenner, one of the greatest the game has ever known.
