George Steinbrenner Dies at 80

The Yankees family have experienced another heartbreak this week.  On July 11th they lost their voice in Bob Sheppard the legendary baseball announcer.  Now an even bigger loss with George Steinbrenner, the man responsible for rebuilding a struggling Yankee organization into the Empire it is today passes at the age of 80 due to a massive heart attack.

Steinbrenner was properly nicknamed “The Boss” with his hands on, demanding, and overbearing style that clearly differentiated him from other team owners.  He wanted to win and there was no stopping him.  Money was never an issue and no player was out of reach.  He clashed with so many of his managers and wouldn’t hesitate to fire them for any reason.   George never sat back and allowed his personnel to run the team, rather he always wanted to have a direct influence and say on all Yankee decisions.  ”Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing,” Steinbrenner would say. “Breathing first, winning next.”

“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,” the Steinbrenner family said in a statement.

“He was an incredible and charitable man. First and foremost he was devoted to his entire family — his beloved wife, Joan; his sisters, Susan Norpell and Judy Kamm, his children, Hank, Jennifer, Jessica and Hal; and all of his grandchildren.

“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.”

George Steinbrenner’s hold over the Yankee’s organization began in 1973 when he purchased the team for 10 million dollars.  The team is worth more than a billion today. Prior to his presence within the organization they were a bad franchise with a legendary past.  He brought the blue and white back to where they belonged, upon the top of baseball world.  Many disagreed with how he ran his teams but no one could discount what he has done.  During his reign, the Yankees won seven world series titles and 11 American League pennants.

George Steinbrenner’s health has been failing for years now which ultimately led to passing the team over to his sons in 2007.  Today is a sad day with the loss of this Yankee Giant.  He will be missed.

George Steinbrenner, 1930 to 2010