George Steinbrenner has died at 80
- Last Updated: 6:56 PM, July 13, 2010
- Posted: 9:21 AM, July 13, 2010
George Steinbrenner, whose tumultuous 37-year reign as owner of the Yankees resulted in 11 pennants, seven World Championships and two suspensions from baseball, died this morning from a massive heart attack in Tampa, Fla.
“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," the Yankees said in a statement.
“He was an incredible and charitable man. First and foremost he was devoted to his entire family -- his beloved wife, Joan; his sisters, Susan Norpell and Judy Kamm; his children, Hank, Jennifer, Jessica and Hal; and all of his grandchildren.
“He was a visionary and a giant in the world of sports. He took a great but struggling franchise and turned it into a champion again.”
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Steinbrenner was taken into St. Joseph’s Hospital last night between 9:30 and 10 p.m. after he said he wasn’t feeling well. He underwent a procedure, the details of which are not known. Sometime between 6:30 and 7 this morning his heart failed.
"There will never be anyone like George Steinbrenner," said team president Randy Levine, who worked under the Boss for 20 years. "He was the greatest owner in pro sports. He was an inspirational figure. There are not many people like him in the world. He was very, very extraordinary."
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said in a statement, “Few people have had a bigger impact on New York over the past four decades than George Steinbrenner.
”George had a deep love for New York, and his steely determination to succeed combined with his deep respect and appreciation for talent and hard work made him a quintessential New Yorker.”
Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani was a longtime Yankees fan and had a front-row seat for the run to the 2001 World Series after the Sept. 11 attacks.
"George Steinbrenner’s Yankees represent the will to overcome all odds which is precisely the will New Yorkers display when meeting every challenge they face," Giuliani said. "George will be greatly be missed but his legacy will carry on in the hearts and minds of all baseball fans."
Flags at City Hall were lowered to half-staff.
“The passing of George Steinbrenner marks the end of an era in New York City baseball history,” Mets owners Fred and Jeff Wilpon and Saul Katz said in a statement. “George was a larger than life figure and a force in the industry. The rise and success of his teams on the field and in the business marketplace under his leadership are a testament to his skill, drive, and determination.”
