Rest In Peace to the Greatest Owner Who Ever Lived. George Michael Steinbrenner III passed away today at the age of 80 due to a massive heart attack. It had to be massive, otherwise it wouldn’t have been enough to take down the larger-than-life Steinbrenner. There is no man who wanted to win more. There is no one who could outwork the Boss. There is no one who could put in the time and effort that George put in to win. There is no one who could match his philantrophy. George M. Steinbrenner III was truly one of a kind.
There is so much more to George M. Steinbrenner III than just the being the uber-successful Yankees owner. George was a man with a heart bigger than his legendary temper. If you were ringing up The Boss’s groceries and explained to him you were working your way through college, there’s a chance you would get a phone call from an aid that George was giving you a scholarship. George was extremely loyal to his friends, even if their relationships were rocky. He didn’t speak to a friend for 6 years, and then hired him on as a baseball scout when he learned the man was falling on hard times. Nevermind that he had no knowledge of baseball, he knew his friend needed help.
George built hospital wings, founded multiple charities, and never a met a good cause that he didn’t give to. But George was also an amazing businessman. The New York Yankees would not be the team that they are today had it not been for George. He built the team back up from scratch. When George bought the Yankees, they were an absolute disaster and a team that had a very bleak future. But that was before George got his hands on the franchise. The future was now looking a hell of a lot brighter.
George turned a franchise that he bought for $8.7 million into the $1.5 Billion entity that they are today. George was the first owner to explore and build his own television channel for his team. The founding of YES enabled George to spend more money to build the Yankees into champions. The Boss is the reason that baseball players make as much money as they do. He also built up the rest of the league and improved the product of baseball.
How many teams now own their own television channels? How many teams remain solvent and, even competitive, because of the luxury tax paid by the Yankees? How many teams were bought by owners who saw how Steinbrenner ran the Yankees and wanted to beat him? How many stadiums sell out when the Yankees come to town? How many owners found new passion for their teams when seeing that George was taking over baseball? There is no doubt that baseball is infinitely better off because of George Steinbrenner.
George’s reach extended way beyond baseball. Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, says that The Boss’s energy, charisma, and drive inspired him to become an owner. Jerry says that the way he runs his franchise, is extremely based on Steinbrenner. “His enthusiasm and passion was often confused with his will of winning. Nothing was beyond an effort on his part to win.” “I have a file that is filled with George Steinbrenner notes and they are very timely. They came, more often than not, during low times when I was getting my tail kicked. He would remind me of times that he had adverse things.” Would we have such passionate and enigmatic owners throughout sports if it wasn’t for George M. Steinbrenner III?
Did George have his faults? Of course. And they are well documented. He was unbearable to work for. He demanded absolute perfection and nothing less. He would embarrass, belittle, scream at you, and ultimately fire for you for some very minor infractions. He would make rash decisions that weren’t the right ones. He would fire managers over a regular season loss in game 76 of the season just because of a dumb pitching switch. He let his passion for winning go over the top at times, and let it blind him from making rational decisions. But every man has his faults, and he wouldn’t be the legend he is had it not been for all aspects of his personality.
Yankees fans were treated to 38 seasons with George Steinbrenner as our owner. He went throgugh 22 managerial changes. But the Yankees won 3,364 games over the years with a winning percentage of .566, the most in baseball. The Yankees made the postseason 19 times, winning 11 pennants, and 16 division titles. And how can any of us ever forget the 7 World Series titles? George M. Steinbrenner III was the best thing that ever happened to the New York Yankees. He will truly be missed.
There is no doubt in my mind that George is telling God how to run things better in Heaven right now. Hell, he might even fire Jesus before the day is through. I hope he is at peace, and he knows just how much he has given us while he was here. Life will not be the same with The Boss.
As a Yankees fan, I can only say thank you. No words will ever be able to express the gratitude that all sports fans have for you, George. We will be forever indebted to you, we will always love you, and above all else we will never forget you. I say this with tears in my eyes, Thank You Mr. Steinbrenner. And May You Rest In Peace
“I haven’t always done a good job, and I haven’t always been successful – but I know that I have tried.” – George Michael Steinbrenner III (July 4, 1930 – July 13, 2010)
