The Yankees struggled under ownership by CBS, in 1973 Steinbrenner led a group of investors to purchase the New York Yankees for $8.8 million dollars. Steinbrenner claimed he would not be so into the business of baseball, but quickly he took the reigns and began to build his empire. With his first pennant win in 1976 courtesy of Chris Chambliss; Steinbrenner began to see his dream realized. Unfortunately then began the Era of the "Bronx Zoo" a time in which fights and outbursts reigned...a time where Manager Billy Martin was hired and fired 5 times. A time where Reggie Jackson was known for his "superstar antics." A time where it seemed Steinbrenner lost control of the team.
Steinbrenner had many controversial moments, his illegal donations to the campaign of Nixon, statements that led Ken Griffey Jr to list the Yankees as a team he would never play for, being banned for life from baseball in 1990 for paying $40,000 to a small time gambler for "dirt" on Dave Winfield...moments that won't be forgotten but only show his passion towards situations. Steinbrenner was never one to stay quiet and he made sure that if you wanted to be a Yankee, you had to perform almost immediately. Money was no object when it came to building his empire. Steinbrenner could afford to bring in the big players and keep those who were amazing through our farm system.
Steinbrenner became a quiet force, after being banned from the game. His patience was soon rewarded when our Empire came into the light after winning the World Series in '96, '98, '99 and 2000. After 9/11...we made it yet again into the World Series but failed to win against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Watching our Arch Nemesis, The Boston Red Sox, win the World Series in both 2004 and 2007 led to Steinbrenner fading from the public light. He gave in and allowed his sons to take over ownership and regained glory in 2009 when the Yankees won the World Series at home!
He was plagued by his health in the last few years and fixed many broken relationships which led to Yogi Berra coming back into the stadium after the brutal relationship they had. Dave Winfield, Darryl Strawberry and many others fixed their situations and just enjoyed his time. Steinbrenner was a very giving man and helped many go to school, helped many get jobs and always did anything he had to, to make things happen.
On this sad day let us not forget this; George Steinbrenner; you gave us Yankees Fans the dream that all others try to grasp. You gave us everything we need to be the team whose name echoes among the world as Baseball Royalty. You were magnanimous among owners and no one will ever compare. Thank you for every memory you ever gave! Your passion and determination will never be compared. Lets Go Yankees! #28 is for you Boss!
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