Legendary Yankees owner George Steinbrenner passed away this morning after suffering a heart-attack late last night, shortly after celebrating his 80th birthday on July 4th. Steinbrenner took control on a Yankees franchise that had been suffering from its longest stretch of mediocrity since before the arrival of Babe Ruth nearly 50 years prior. Steinbrenner took a strong-armed approached to managing his franchise and the result was 11 American League Pennants and 7 World Series Championships. He brought the team for barely $10 million and now leaves it with an estimate value of more than $1.5 billion.
George Steinbrenner was renowned for clashing with his players and managers and always put winning first. I came across a fitting quote from Steinbrenner that goes a long way in summing up his legacy.
“Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning second.”
While perhaps earning the ire of many opposing players and fans (as well as some of his own players and fans) throughout his career, Steinbrenner earned the respect of all. He will be missed in the baseball world by friends and foe alike.
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