The man who rebuilt the New York Yankees into a sports empire -- through a combination of bluster and big bucks -- has died.
George Steinbrenner was 80 years old.
A person close to Steinbrenner says he had a heart attack and was taken to a hospital in Tampa, Fla., where he died this morning.
For more than 30 years, he lived up to his billing as "the Boss" -- a nickname he earned and clearly enjoyed as he ruled with an iron fist.
He was known for feuds -- including his firings of manager Billy Martin, and his clash with Yankees great Yogi Berra.
Steinbrenner was in fragile health for years, resulting in fewer public appearances and pronouncements. His sons Hal and Hank took over the operation of the family businesses.
Governor Charlie Crist
“Florida joins the New York Yankees and Major League Baseball in mourning the loss of unparalleled baseball icon George Steinbrenner. As the principal owner of the New York Yankees, George redefined the description of a chief executive. During his tenure, the Yankees won 11 American League pennants and seven world championships. He loved his family, his team, New York City and his home in Tampa, where he brought the Yankees to train each spring and his family’s shipbuilding business, providing employment to many families.
“While the public face of George Steinbrenner was a demanding owner, he was extremely generous to others. Many acts of kindness were bestowed to those in need, with most of those acts going unnoticed except by those who benefited.
“I join with fellow Floridians in offering condolences to George’s wife, Joan, sons Hal and Hank, and daughters Jennifer and Jessica, all of whom reside in Tampa.”
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement