Yankees Owner George Steinbrenner Dies from Heart Attack
Less than 10 days after his July 4 birthday, George Steinbrenner III, 80, died this morning at about 6:30 a.m. The famous New York Yankees suffered a massive heart attack in Tampa, Fla. This death comes just two days after the death of the Yankee’s “Voice of God,” Bob Sheppard.
Steinbrenner, as the Yankees’ “boss” since 1973, saw the team through more than 30 years of games, including 7 World Series championships, 11 American League pennants and 16 AL East titles. The businessman is best known for turning a struggling baseball team into a world-known victor. Under Steinbrenner’s management, the worth of the Yankees increases more than 100-fold. However, he is also infamously known for his arguments with baseball great Yogi Berra and hiring manager Billy Martin. As Steinbrenner’s health declined, his sons Hal and Hank took over their father’s responsibilities.
In a statement to the Associated Press this morning, Mets owners, Fred and Jeff Wilpon and Saul Katz, said:
“The passing of George Steinbrenner marks the end of an era in New York City baseball history. George was a larger than life figure and a force in the industry. The rise and success of his teams on the field and in the business marketplace under his leadership are a testament to his skill, drive, and determination.”
Mayor Michael Bloomberg offered the following:
“Few people have had a bigger impact on New York over the past four decades than George Steinbrenner. George had a deep love for New York, and his steely determination to succeed combined with his deep respect and appreciation for talent and hard work made him a quintessential New Yorker.”
In addition to his managerial skills, Steinbrenner was appreciated for his philanthropic endeavors as he anonymously donated millions of dollars to different charities. The baseball team owner told others his secret to success was, “Work as hard as you ask others to. Strive for what you believe is right, no matter the odds. Learn that mistakes can be the best teacher.” Joan, Steinbrenner’s wife, daughters Jennifer and Jessica, sons Hank and Hall and 13 grandchildren survive George Steinbrenner.
