George Steinbrenner, 1930-2010; RIP, Boss
by Ed Valentine on Jul 13, 2010 1:05 PM EDT
in New York Yankees News
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PrintThe staff here at Pinstripe Alley has decided to put together a 'collective' George Steinbrenner retrospective. Below are the thoughts of several of our writers on the passing of The Boss from a heart attack at the age of 80.
Travis Goldman
Yankee fans and haters alike will realize that 'King' George III was one of the most influential owners in the history of American sports. Whether you loved or hated him, you could not deny his impact. He brought the once-historic Yankees, at their lowest point, back to prominence and helped transform a sporting franchise into a world-famous brand.
I personally recall Steinbrenner as the fiery face of the franchise in the late '80s when he would hire and fire managers almost every year, call managers during the game and force trades for aging veterans.
It will be interesting to see how Hank and Hal run the team in the absence of their father.
No matter if you were the marquee player or the 25th guy on the roster, you were treated like royalty as a Yankee (and frankly, as a fan) in the Steinbrenner years.
George wanted to win at all costs. Sometimes it was to the detriment of the team, but you never doubted his passion.
Ed Valentine
Bombastic bully. Buffoon. Ego-maniacal tyrant. Good for baseball. A blight on baseball. In his later years, a weak old man. Think what you will of George Steinbrenner, and all of those descriptions fit in one way or another.
Steinbrenner changed baseball. And he changed the New York Yankee franchise. It was his will, his money, his unmatched desire to win no mattter what it took that turned the Yankees back into the YANKEES. From a moribund laughingstock back into what they are today, a World Championship-caliber team that everyone loves to hate, a team for which winning is the only acceptable outcome and a franchise that does not apologize for doing whatever it takes to accomplish that.
That is what the Yankees were in the days of old, the days before the dark years of the late 1960s and early 1970s before The Boss purchased the team from CBS.
Whatever you think of The Boss, if you are a Yankee fan you need to thank him. It is because of him that the Yankees are back where they are supposed to be -- a franchise with a chance to take home the big prize every season.
Thank you, Boss. RIP.
3460Kuri
George Steinbrenner loomed large over his team in much the same way that his team loomed large over the world of American sports. In that sense, theirs was a marriage made in heaven.
During an era in which far too many owners went to great lengths to show how "poor" they were, Steinbrenner wasn't shy about flexing his financial muscle to improve the team, and even though he had his share of missteps, you never doubted his intentions or his passion.
Steinbrenner upped the ante, beginning a long process which forced other teams to step up to the plate to compete with the Yankees, whether with their wallets, brainpower, or a combination of both. And so to those who argue that his free-spending ways were bad for baseball, I disagree.
jscape2000
I missed most of the legendary Boss- Billy Martin died before I knew who he was; the Yogi Berra day that patched things up between Yogi and George happened when I was in middle school; and while plenty of people walked on eggshells when George was around in the '90s, he was around less and less.
The incredible thing about The Boss is that he was a business man and a sports fan. He leveraged the city for every penny the Yankees were worth in getting public funding for New Yankee Stadium. He launched one of the first regional sports networks in the country. He poured millions of dollars into the roster to pack the house every night in a city with hundreds of other entertainment options.
I give Mr. Steinbrenner credit for creating the disparity between the American and National Leagues. First the Red Sox, then every other contender in the American League has added payroll and talent in hopes of besting the Yankees in the playoffs.
He left behind big shoes to fill, but from what we've seen in the last couple of seasons, it looks like Hank and Hal are up to the challenge.
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Just a thought but how about adding a ribbon at the top of Pinstripe Alley that has all the retired numbers and we can add The Boss and Bob Sheppard’s of the Yankees world as the Universe seems fit. This can go a bunch of ways but figured it would be a good idea to have something of this sort added to Pinstripe Alley, maybe have a vote on it
RIP BOSS & BOB SHEPPARD
Too add to that, it could be a ribbon you put your cursor over and it drops down, showing the numbers and names alike, make them all clickable and it pulls up a short player/owner/announcer bio with a comment section for everyone to leave a note. Think this would be a classy way to remember the greats of our team
by FruDaGod2010 on Jul 13, 2010 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
RIP again
Join the Lacrosse community at http://www.theprolaxblog.blogspot.com/
Talk about Boston sports at http://www.bestbostonsports.com/
"That place was for diehard sports fans. I only follow my team when they're in the playoffs" - Homer Simpson
by bestbostonsports on Jul 13, 2010 1:21 PM EDT reply actions
"And so to those who argue that his free-spending ways were bad for baseball, I disagree."
My Yankee-hating friend and I have been arguing over this for 2 hours now. His argument is ridiculous.
"He wasn't an astronaut, he was a tv comedian! And he was just using space travel as a metaphor for beating his wife!"
Baseball was just as much a business as it was a passion for George.
Let your friend know that Steinbrenner reinvested his profits into his team while
other owners pocketed the money they made. George played by all the rules and was an absolute genius.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Jul 13, 2010 2:33 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Oh I've said both those things.
He keeps saying how the Yankees bring in more money than other teams because they’re in NY. I bring up the Mets, he dodges it.
"He wasn't an astronaut, he was a tv comedian! And he was just using space travel as a metaphor for beating his wife!"
Tell him to turn on any sports station or go to any website involving sports
And he will find that the Boss was beloved by Yankees fans and respected by the rest of baseball. Tell him to read some of the stories and he might change his mind.
I've pretty much told him that
and he agrees the the Boss was smart, but says he unfairly took advantage of the system and “monopolized free agency.” It’s pretty ridiculous.
"He wasn't an astronaut, he was a tv comedian! And he was just using space travel as a metaphor for beating his wife!"
lol jealousy I suppose
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Jul 13, 2010 2:56 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Haha probably
he is a White Sox fan.
"He wasn't an astronaut, he was a tv comedian! And he was just using space travel as a metaphor for beating his wife!"
What is he complaining about?
1st place team right now and they won the WS 5 years ago.. not too shabby!
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Jul 13, 2010 3:02 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah because the White Sox aren't big spenders at all.
$103 million payroll says what?
Did you know Joe Morgan thinks Cano will win a batting title one day?
How is it unfair?
Yankees have always played within the rules. The Yankees always get the blame for the market prices but they werent the ones that set these prices. The Zito deal drove up the pitching prices, Yanks had no interest in Zito, cant blame them. ARod set the hitters prices, once again Yanks had no interest in ARod when he landed that deal from the Rangers, so how can they be blamed that the idiotic Rangers outbid themselves by 100 million?
I hear ya
and I’m done arguing with him or else I would relay your points. He’s just the type to point all blame at the Yankees.
"He wasn't an astronaut, he was a tv comedian! And he was just using space travel as a metaphor for beating his wife!"
An extraordinarily mixed bag of a person.
Baseball:
1970s: He was the first to understand the potential of free agency and 3 penants resulted. Also begins era of hiring and firing Billy Martin 5 times, Bob Lemon, Yogi Berra, Lou Pinella, Dallas Green, etc etc etc
1980s: As everyone else caught on to free agency, traded away every promising minor leaguer for washed up veterans. [See: Costanza, Frank, rant on Buehner/ Kemp deal].
1990s: During his suspension for suborning perjury to cover up his illegal contributions to Richard Nixon’s campaign, team fortunes revive as Bernie Williams is kept on, and what are now referred to as the “Core 4” develop.
2000s: Meddling in general manager’s affairs by Tampa Mafia results in 8 year dry spell until Cashman reasserts himself. Played God Bless America during 7th inning long after there was any point to it.
Ther won’t be anyone like him again anytime soon.
Personally: Philanthropist, generous to favorite players/ employees to a fault. Also involved in phantom fight in elevator during 1980 world series. Pissed off Yogi Berra so much that he boycotted the team for 14 years until he received an apology. Totally humiliated Joe Torre to force his resignation. Publicly called a player a "fat pussy toad. (even though he was right).
by designatedquitter on Jul 13, 2010 1:33 PM EDT reply actions
To clarify
some of the facts presented, was suspended in the 70"s by Bowie Kuhn for illegal campaign comtributions, and in 1990 by Fay Vincent for the The “La Winfield affaire”. The second time was actually a lifetime ban, but he was back at the helm in 18 months.
His mother has a tattoo that reads, "Son".
Sharks have a week dedicated to HIM.
"It doesn't take more than one person, to talk to a woman.
Stay thirsty my friends."
by Great Gatsby on Jul 13, 2010 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions
As soon I heard the news I was deeply saddened.
Then I had a funny thought that the Boss would’ve appreciated: Leave it to George to find a way to upstage the passing of Bob Sheppard!
Vintage George…
R.I.P. Boss—we love you and we’ll miss you!!!
Just once I'd like someone to call me "Sir," without adding, "You're making a scene."
R.I.P.
May his memory be blessed.
We all will miss him. One way or another he got things done. That’s what matters.
Giants fan here
As a friend and I were discussing, whether you loved or hated how Steinbrenner ran the Yankees you had to respect him. He would do whatever it took to win. I believe every sports fan wants an owner like the Boss owning their team.
"Even the Swedes are getting mad."-Randy Hahn
"It's very cozy in the sin bin."-Randy Hahn
better?
"I am a man of great mental power." ~Alfonso Soriano
by Captain_Mick on Jul 13, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
I can't thank the Boss enough
Unfortunately (fortunately?), I have lived and died with the Yankees since I was 4 years old. To many, I am an overly fanatic Yankees fan who can’t stand to lose a game, any game. That’s what I loved about George, he loved the Yankees and not only owned them but was a fan in the same sense that I am. He cared for his team’s fans and did everything in his power to give them a winner. And he did. Which is I give a heartfelt “thank you” to the Boss for all he did for me and the rest of us obsessed Yankees fans.
Hands down
THE single best owner in the history of modern sports. Created the template for what it means to strive for greatness EVERY single AB; every single pitch; every single time you put on a Yankee uniform.
I’ll never be able to look at another frog again without thinking of the immortal words “Fat xxxxx Toad”
Mr Steinbrenner – wherever you are – thank you for ALWAYS putting your money where your mouth was and thanks for the memories. They weren’t always great but hell they sure were interesting which is a lot more than I can say of today’s antiseptic world of sports ownership/management.
I will wait with great anticipation to see how long the Steinbrenner family can hold on to the team before the tax vultures swoop in and get their cut of the action.
Re: Joba
"From my perspective, we all can have various views," Cashman said. "He's going to be a starter pitching out of the 'pen."
(Well that explains why we have to have another reliever behind him....)
Agreed on the best owner of sports
Healing from my new tattoos
Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."
Thoughts & prayers to the inner circle of Yankees, George’s family & his closest friends. & to us the fans, we can’t thank you enough for always doing whatever it took to WIN…after breathing, winning was 2nd, just a sad, sad day/week…. the 2 greatest yankees to never wear a jersey, you both will have your spots in the facade amongst the other Ghosts, I can see George now, exchanging words with THE BABE……the BABE & the BOSS, oh to sit in on that convo…you know Billy is there too, & thurman,
he wouldn't expect anything less
QUITTER'S PEOPLE UNITED # 3
a proud follower of pickaxes, the star, and the almighty cervelli
win/loss records do not matter when you have a magnificent bastard
Great write up up above
Steinbrenner understood what the Yankees meant, and we should be thankful. Some have mocked the corporate no facial hair, clean cut image but George knew the Yankees were suppose to represent class.
We always give Michael Kay a hard time but he is doing an awesome job on YES today
I recommend tuning in to YES if you arent already
"Baseball's Last Lion"
George, thank you for making it possible for us to appreciate being fans of the greatest franchise in sports history. You may have spoiled us all, but most of us bleed pinstripes and will never jump ship.. no matter what happens. Rest in peace, Mr. Steinbrenner.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Jul 13, 2010 2:38 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Couldn't have said it any better myself
+1
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Jul 13, 2010 2:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
one of the funniest things i heard was that boss is probably firing god in heaven right now
“you’ve been slumping lately so cervelli’s taking your job”
QUITTER'S PEOPLE UNITED # 3
a proud follower of pickaxes, the star, and the almighty cervelli
win/loss records do not matter when you have a magnificent bastard
He wanted to win
There were times when his methods were pretty infuriating, but you have to respect that he always wanted the Yankees to win as much as or more than any fan. Definitely a legend one way or the other.
by Let's Talk About Tex Baby on Jul 13, 2010 2:51 PM EDT reply actions
These past three days have been as sad as it gets
First the Voice of God, today the Boss. Let’s win another one for him this year.
RIP, George.
"Chicks who dig home runs aren't the ones who appeal to me. I think there's sexiness in infield hits because they require technique. I'd rather impress the chicks with my technique than with my brute strength. Then, every now and then, just to show I can do that, too, I might flirt a little by hitting one out." - Ichiro
by WhiteWinterHymnal on Jul 13, 2010 3:17 PM EDT reply actions
Most def. one of the most interesting men in baseball.
Sad last few days for Yankee fans and staff. Couldn’t imagine this team if it wasn’t for George taking over before I was born.
Thank you, George.
"Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?"
by Gelatin on Jul 13, 2010 3:18 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
George Steinbrenner molded generations of NY sports fans
He made us all want to win, just as bad as he did. That why us Yankee fans treat each game like game 7 of the World Series.
by upstateNYYFan1984 on Jul 13, 2010 3:22 PM EDT reply actions
David Wells
I’m pretty sure he just took a swipe at Clemens. He’s on the phone with the YES Network and they were talking about the trade in 1999. He said that he was a little disappointed but he understood because Clemens was such a great pitcher at that time – and of course “Now we all know why.”
by long time listener on Jul 13, 2010 3:26 PM EDT reply actions
OUCH!
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Jul 13, 2010 3:32 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
The portly lefthander
does have a way of opening mouth, and inserting foot.
His mother has a tattoo that reads, "Son".
Sharks have a week dedicated to HIM.
"It doesn't take more than one person, to talk to a woman.
Stay thirsty my friends."
by Great Gatsby on Jul 13, 2010 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Among other things (i.e. hoagies)
"I am a man of great mental power." ~Alfonso Soriano
by Captain_Mick on Jul 13, 2010 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions
very true
Wells just couldn’t resist though.
by long time listener on Jul 13, 2010 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions
And thats why he is Wells
I know plenty of people that have met Wells and say he is a huge douche. Not saying Clemens isnt but is this really the time to be taking shots at people?
yeah it was kind of unnecessary
Just Boomer being Boomer.
by long time listener on Jul 13, 2010 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Why rag on Wells?
Why does he feel the need to take shots about something from over 10 years ago? Im sure he was buddys in 03 with Clemens.
RIP
RIP george best owner in sports
okay i have cerebral palsy arthris and chronic fatigue as well i have a great life and loveing folks some days are better than other days i got a make-a-wish in 2001 and saw my favorite team the broncos it was the trip of a lifetime i wish everyone couild have gotten to enjoy that with me i know some of u hate the broncos and that okay but i bleed organ and bule for my mnr fans but i bleed orange and blue denver will rise again resident broncos fan for every blog resident broncos for stampede bule thanks shvd98z24 real name jeremy woodard nettleton high class of 02 yes i am a raider
Have to give the Sox credit for doing a classy thing
BloggingBombers The Red Sox will observe a moment of silence in Steinbrenner’s memory on Thursday prior to their game against the Rangers at Fenway Park
as they should he's as much tied to the redsox as he is to us
QUITTER'S PEOPLE UNITED # 3
a proud follower of pickaxes, the star, and the almighty cervelli
win/loss records do not matter when you have a magnificent bastard
"If my players don't start producing there'll be more fireworks around here by the Fourth of July than anyone can imagine." The Boss (1982)
"The next time you drive me to the wall, I'll throw you over it."
"What do you mean try? If I want to fire you, I'll fire you." (on martin)
I must say I am so glad I cant post at Halo Heaven right now
Most classless bunch of losers I have ever seen. I am being respectful to this blog by just calling them losers, my thoughts are much worse.
leave them be classless is what classless are
we’ll be winning one for the boss, and the voice. while they watch as the rangers take their spot
QUITTER'S PEOPLE UNITED # 3
a proud follower of pickaxes, the star, and the almighty cervelli
win/loss records do not matter when you have a magnificent bastard
"If my players don't start producing there'll be more fireworks around here by the Fourth of July than anyone can imagine." The Boss (1982)
"The next time you drive me to the wall, I'll throw you over it."
"What do you mean try? If I want to fire you, I'll fire you." (on martin)
Saying they held off on announcing he died until the ASG is low, even for Angels fans
I hope they all get a case of the runs at the worst possible times in their lives.
even the redsox (our heated rival) are paying respects
thats says enough, but if cervelli wants to smite them i won’t stop him
QUITTER'S PEOPLE UNITED # 3
a proud follower of pickaxes, the star, and the almighty cervelli
win/loss records do not matter when you have a magnificent bastard
"If my players don't start producing there'll be more fireworks around here by the Fourth of July than anyone can imagine." The Boss (1982)
"The next time you drive me to the wall, I'll throw you over it."
"What do you mean try? If I want to fire you, I'll fire you." (on martin)
Whatever
The Boss would just stack all seven of his rings on both middle fingers, and ask those foo’s “Wanna see my rings?”
Blind devotion.
by ProfessorBigelow on Jul 13, 2010 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Breaking News
The Boss has just told Jesus he has to cut his hair and shave his beard
by Jedi Master A-Rod on Jul 13, 2010 4:12 PM EDT reply actions
he's letting ruth have it up there now
QUITTER'S PEOPLE UNITED # 3
a proud follower of pickaxes, the star, and the almighty cervelli
win/loss records do not matter when you have a magnificent bastard
"If my players don't start producing there'll be more fireworks around here by the Fourth of July than anyone can imagine." The Boss (1982)
"The next time you drive me to the wall, I'll throw you over it."
"What do you mean try? If I want to fire you, I'll fire you." (on martin)
George wanted to win!!
Sure he spent a lot of money. But – he put the money back in the team for Yankee fans. I loved George and his “shoot from the hip” ways. He will be missed.
Oh, I’ll bet that, despite all the firings, Billy Martin was his favorite Yankee. They are probably fighting about something right now.
I started following the team just before George Steinbrenner bought the team
The CBS years were harsh; they didn’t understand the principle of “spend money to make money” and that the value of the Yankee brand is the ability to leverage NY. George did, and made it pay big time. He certainly had his ups and downs as a team owner (it can be noted that both of the “dynasty” runs – in the 70’s and in the 90’s – to the room to be built when George was suspended for one thing or another). But at the end of the day, and the end of his days, he won 10 pennants and 7 WS rings in 37 seasons, which is one hell of a run.
RIP Big Stein. Now you & Billy can finally work out that “less filling/tastes great” debate.
While I agree that the dynasty runs came off of times when the Boss was suspended
Its never noted that the Boss actually hired guys like Stick Michael, so even though these guys helped put together the dynasty runs of the 70’s and 90’s, it all begins and ends with the Boss.
Thanks for everything, Boss!
There’s no denying what he did for the Yankees and baseball as a whole. It’s less known about all the charity work he did. It’s a sad day. Best believe that come October, we’re going to have a REALLY good day, for him!
His impact,both good and bad,on this
franchise is almost unmatched. He didn’t always understand that baseball is not football and can’t be approached with that same ferocious, rah-rah manner. At times he wanted to impose his will inspite of it not being in the best interests of his team. He deserves a lot of credit for reviving this franchise in the 70’s, and so does Gabe Paul. His intensity often got the better of him and he flew off the handle.
He drove his players like a General drives his troops, and often times only the strong survived. He cared for the fans, and at heart he was a fan. But for all the players and coaches who left, he brought just as many back. He had a big heart and his heart was in the right place even if the results weren’t always good. In that way him and Billy Martin were similar. I can just imagine a reunion up there with Catfish, Thurman, Billy, Gabe, Elston Howard, Bob Lemon, Dick Howser and Bobby Murcer. They see him and they all say, “Hey Boss nice to see you again.” RIP.
Mets fan
hey guys sorry for the loss. He was one of the best or the best owner in all sport. A lot of haters(HaloHeaven) don’t understand what George meant to the baseball landscape and to the city. He understood to make money and profit you are going to spend some money. He was great at that. I’ll mourn with you guys as a former NYer
Healing from my new tattoos
Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."
Rest in Peace!
Your sons will carry on the Legacy, but you will be missed.
Opus smart , lascivio magis , intereo gauisus...
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