The Passing of New York Yankee Legend George Steinbrenner
July 13, 2010 · Lauren Reid · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Longtime New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner has passed away at age 80.
Steinbrenner, who is the longest-tenured owner in Yanks history, suffered a massive heart attack this morning following failing health.
Steinbrenner bought the Yankees from CBS in 1973.
Nicknamed “the Boss,” Steinbrenner’s legacy with the Yankees is one full of constant turmoil and instability. During his era, Steinbrenner hired and fired 12 managers, most notably Yogi Berra.
Steinbrenner’s dilemma with Berra erupted after he fired him just 16 games into the 1985 season. Berra vowed to never return to the team, and didn’t until 1999 when the Boss issued him a public apology.
In a positive light, the Yanks claimed seven World Series Championships during Steinbrenner’s reign. He also brought cable TV revenue to the team after his creation of the YES network.
Most recently, failing health caused Steinbrenner to turn over control to his two sons, Hal and Hank. The Yankee legend leaves the club with a rich, famed legacy.
This season will be a somber one for the defending champions, who suffered another loss just days ago.
Bob Sheppard, the 57-year-long announcer for the Yankees, passed away on Sunday at age 99.
Often called “the Voice of God,” Sheppard became the announcer for the Yanks in 1951, and remained until 2007 when bad health forced him away.
Sheppard was such an integral part of the team that after his departure in 2007, Derek Jeter insisted that Sheppard’s recorded voice should continue to introduce him at the plate.
The Yankees suffered two heartbreaking losses this week. Both Steinbrenner and Sheppard will be remembered as some of the great men that have touched the many lives of all the Yankees fans and staff.
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