Legendary Yankees owner George Steinbrenner passed away last night in Tampa after suffering a massive heart attack. Steinbrenner built arguably the most dominant professional team in U.S. sports history as his beloved New York Yankess won 11 pennants and 7 world titles under his leadership.
Steinbrenner was known for his tight control and willingness to pay the price for winning. He instituted a team grooming policy that did not allow for hair below the collar and designated the moustache as the only acceptable facial hair. Perhaps the best compliment that can be made of his Yankee tutelage is how despised his team was by everyone except Yankee fans who revelled in win after win after win.
Steinbrenner had recently turned 80 on the 4th of July, he had turned over stewardship of the Yankees to his sons Hank and Hal in 2006. A representative for the family made a statement confirming the sad news:
“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 representative went on to say that there will be a public service with details to be given at a later time.
Here’s the ESPN report with a reaction from Tim Kurkjian:
