Yanks mourn passing of Steinbrenner

By Bud L. Ellis

From the moment he purchased the New York Yankees in the early days of 1973, George Steinbrenner pumped his sometimes over-the-top, always focused-on-the-top spirit into Major League Baseball’s signature franchise.

Even in the hours following his death early Tuesday morning, the image of Steinbrenner driving the Yankees to world championships reigned supreme. Steinbrenner passed away following a heart attack at his Tampa, Fla., home, at the age of 80.

A successful businessman in his days before becoming one of American sports’ most iconic owners, Steinbrenner feuded with managers, office staff, players and anybody else who got in his way during his tenure. But there is no denying the results: under his watch, the Yankees won 11 American League pennants and seven World Series titles.

The enduring images of Steinbrenner hiring and firing managers at a whim – he canned Yogi Berra twice; famously ditched Billy Martin time and time again (only to bring Martin back); helped push Joe Torre out the door – can’t cloud the success the Yankees achieved during his ownership. Not as well known, but resonating just as loudly Tuesday, was his giving spirit, the countless stories (many never told before) of Steinbrenner working to make New York, make Tampa, make the world a better place.

Yankees representing the American League in Tuesday night’s All-Star game wore black armbands, and a momemt of silence was held before the game in his honor. Flags flew at half-staff throughout New York City.

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Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 6:44 pm by bud

Tags: George Steinbrenner, Joe Torre, Major League Baseball, New York Yankees, Yogi Berra