George Steinbrenner, owner of the New York Yankees, died this morning of a massive heart attack. He was 80 years old.
Mr. Steinbrenner bought the Yankees for $8.7 million in January 1973. He saw the team win seven world championships and pretty much dominate the majors time and time again. He's been a colorful and controversial figure within the Yankee organization and Major League baseball, known for his famous feuds, firings, and deep pockets.
He hired and fired Billy Martin five times. He's credited with driving up player salaries, and making the Yankees known for being able to buy the best players on the free-agent market. Over the last few years, however, he's left running the team up to his sons, Hal and Hank.
Even those who didn't know thing one about baseball or the Yankees knew who George Steinbrenner was, largely in part to his "role" on Seinfeld. If you'll remember, George Castanza was employed by the Yankees, and the show painted a pretty accurate picture of Steinbrenner as a colorful, crazy old man. (The Steinbrenner character was always shown from behind, and was actually voiced by show creator Larry David.)
His death, no doubt, will cast a dark shadow over tonight's All-Star game. Flags at Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees spring training facility, were flying at half mast already this morning. ESPN has been abuzz with phone interviews from former Yankees and documentary footage all morning.
Love or hate the Yankees, this is a very sad day for baseball. Rest in peace, Mr. Steinbrenner.
[ESPN]
8 comments:
:(
Up in heaven, Billy Martin just got canned.
So first Bob Sheppard, now George. What a bummer for Yankees fans!
"Love or hate the Yankees, this is a very sad day for baseball. Rest in peace, Mr. Steinbrenner." Well said Marea.
Justin, you are my new bff.
Umm... someone already made a Stenbrenner's Ghost Twitter account. Too soon? http://twitter.com/TheDeadBoss
Justin, if George Steinbrenner got into heaven, we all have a shot.
He was pretty good at world domination.
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