If you know anything about Major League Baseball, you know George Steinbrenner. The boss of America's most historic franchise, and the man who had more money than he knew how to spend. Infamous for going on television and ripping his superstars or his manager. For telling his GM that he wasn't the one responsible for making trades around here. For buying championships with absurdly large payrolls. Nonetheless, his accomplishments were great. Buying the Yankees in '73 for a price of $10 million, Steinbrenner took a franchise in shambles and executed the prototypical rags-to-riches transformation. The Yankees became a dynasty. Steinbrenner was an integral piece in that, without question. He also had a significant responsibility in raising player salaries in Major League Baseball. He was able to pay higher than everyone, which made people raise the bar around the league. When Steinbrenner stopped being so controlling over every team decision, the Yankees won 4 of 5 championships from 1996-2000. On the heels of that accomplishment, though, the nemesis Red Sox won titles in 2004 and 2007. Ever since the Sox won, Steinbrenner slowly began fading off the map. He handed the team off to his sons, who will now take over complete ownership.
He was a man hated for his actions, loved for his accomplishments. He was hated by outsiders. Hated by his own in the beginning, but loved by his own in the end. Whether you hated him or loved him, it's undeniable that he made great change to the sport -- whether good or bad -- during his time. George Steinbrenner, passed away at the age of 80. Even if Red Sox fans don't necessarily miss him, you must recognize the man's willingness to win and his impact on the game. RIP.
DRob, I'm a true Yankees hater as all Sox fans from Boston are, but I've gained respect for guys like Jeter and Rivera and how they play the game.
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived in Florida during the late 80's I worked as a firefighter/paramedic near Tampa. During those years I worked as a standby EMS person at a charity golf tournament to benefit the Gold Shield foundation. The Gold Shield foundation is a charity that was founded and run by George Steinbrenner. In the event that any firefighter or police officer from the state of Florida was killed in the line of duty, the funeral expenses would be paid for in full, including flying all family members in from other states and countries. It also allowed each surviving child of the officer to attend the college of their choice which would be paid in full! This was one of the many charities that Steinbrenner created and ran with very little fanfare.
It was during this time that I saw an entire different side of the man. I still cheered against the Yanks, but have always had a new respect for him. R.I.P.
That's an interesting story, how you were connected to him like that. Definitely a man who should be respected, even if hated by some. As you've said, there were plenty of good things to the man. It would be pretty unfair to judge his life based on solely his New York Yankees management actions, right? RIP.
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