George Steinbrenner, owner of the New York Yankees since 1973, died this morning at a hospital in Tampa, Fla., after suffering from a heart attack. He turned 80 last week.
Steinbrenner purchased the New York Yankees in the 1970s and under his ownership the team turned into one of the most powerful brand names in American sports.
Steinbrenner turned over control of the team to his sons, Hal and Hank, a couple of years ago.
In a statement Tuesday, the Steinbrenner family said, “It is with profound sadness that the family of George M. Steinbrenner III announces his passing. He passed away this morning in Tampa, Fla., at age 80.”
Steinbrenner’s death marks the second blow for the Yankee franchise this week, coming two days after the death of another Yankee legend, announcer Bob Sheppard, who died on Sunday at age 99.
Sheppard’s voice will live on through Derek Jeter’s introduction at Yankee Stadium, and will travel with Derek to Southern California.
As a special tribute to the Yankees’ legendary public-address announcer, Major League Baseball will have Sheppard’s recorded voice introduce Jeter during Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim.
A tribute to Steinbrenner has not been announced yet, but is most likely in the works for the All-Star Game.
There has also been discussion that the legendary owner — nicknamed “The Boss” — should be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
I am so sorry to hear that Yankees Owner, George Steinbrenner, has passed away at the age of 80, my thoughts go out to his family & friends during this sad time, and I hope he gets inducted into The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown? It was nice of him to turn over The Yankees Ownership to his Two Sons, Hal & Hank!
… It’s sad that he died this morning!