Just heard that the Boss “George Steinbrenner” passed this morning at the age of 80. Just days after Bob Sheppard, the long time Yankee announcer known as the “Voice of God” passed. Steinbrenner bought the Yankees for just over $8 million in the early 1970’s. Then they were a bumbling franchise that had long strayed from their glorious past. George had a win at all costs attitude that brought the Yankees 7 World Series titles during his tenure, today the team is worth 1.6 billion.
George had a colorful history with Major League Baseball. His hiring and firing of managers like Billy Martin are legendary. His relationships with players and the city of New York was historic. His beloved Yankees gave him one last championship in 2009 making his final months fulfilling for sure. He will be missed and Baseball won’t be the same with out him.
Other thoughts:
He was able to laugh at himself – SNL, the commercials, Seinfeld..
He fired people but kept them on the payroll in most cases. Work on the Olympics..
He took the team from an embarrassing position to the "Bronx Zoo" years and then to the class org it is today. What a journey.