Yesterday I read an online story that George Steinbrenner passed away. I paused for a few seconds before sending out an email to about 15 friends saying how sad the news was and how upset I was. Growing up in Boston at Fenway Park I loved going and seeing the Sox play the Yankees. Over the years I had seen so many games and met a number of professional athletes. In fact one day I met George and he introduced me to Lou Pinella which was a funny story. George couldn’t have been nicer and he actually gave me an autograph which I still have 37 years later.
To me George was one of the most passionate owners in sports. He demanded excellence and ONLY wanted to win. He was the ultimate competitor and truly loved the Yankees and probably was only truly happy when they won a World Series. He always seemed to put the Yankees in a position to be successful and win! Isn’t that what we want every owner of a company or sports team to do?
I wonder what George will be remembered for?
- Great owner?
- His love for horses?
- The fact that he was so passionate that he fired Billy Martin – how many times?
And I wonder was he the greatest owner in professional sports?
I paused for a minute and thought about what 5 sports owners come to mind quickly. My list includes:
- Al Davis
- Charles Finley
- Bill Veck
- Mark Cuban
And of course George Steinbrenner.
Funny that none of the owners in Boston make my list!
- What do you think of George?
- Did you like his drive and passion?
- Were you a fan of his?
- Is he truly the best owner in sports history?
I look forward to reading your comments.
John Sadler says:
If you are a fan of the Yankees, he is the best owner in sports. His focus was only about winning, and he fought the system to ensure it. If you are a fan of the Cleveland Indians, George tried to buy the team in 1971…
Ed Sugar says:
I had the privilege to attend last night’s All-Star game and naturally the loses of Bob Sheppard and George Steinbrenner were felt even by the local SoCal fans.
Two thoughts on Mr. Steinbrenner:
Though he was most likely despised by most sports fans outside New York, every city with a professional sports craves an owner like him. Being a Dodger fan, I was never a fan of his, but I would take him in a heartbeat over the likes of Frank & Jamie McCourt & Fox, who have have been major busts as owners of the Dodgers.
Quote from my friend JE in DC “Whenever George is now, he once again is Billy Martin’s problem”.
R.I.P.
Ed Sugar says:
This appearred is Ross Newhan’s blog today. A quote from an interview he did with George back in 1984
“Am I obsessed with winning,” he said. “Absolutely. “I’m obsessed with winning and everything that goes with it–discipline, pride, achievement. Isn’t that the essence of this country? Isn’t that what New York is all about and the Yankees always should be? I have no reason to apologize.”
Steve Gentile says:
Ed – I’m not a huge sports fan and stats are certainly not necessarily this qualitative guy’s strongest suit. But these two quotes (from your friend and from the interview) certainly sum up his passion for his work.
This passion from an owner will be a tough void to fill in the Yankee or any ball club.
And to think, no estate tax for 2010 – hmmm.
Michael Halberstam says:
I too was at the All-Star game last night (Great experience!) and the tributes to George and Bob Shepard were heartfelt and well-deserved. As a Yankee fan, I liked and respected George not just for his passion for winning but for his dedication to his players. His example, of being tough, fair and candid with all of his employees while being charitable to the community, is one we should all share.
Owen Jenkins says:
As a Red Sox supporter I felt that George Steinbrenner was a sign of hope- hope that if the Yankees fell behind in the race he would disrupt the team by forcing a trade, firing a manager or overpaying for someone. I never met him so have based my opinion on what I have read – but was he really a good boss?
Amy Shields says:
I am a Yankee-hater, through and through, however…could not respect an owner more than GS. Who can argue his passion or accomplishments, or the fact that it takes a strong personality to be a great owner? I have always been most impressed with not only the fact that he was charitable, but that he was charitable in a very quiet way. That is class. My favorite Seinfeld episodes were from the era when George worked for the Yankees organization, and even though it was Larry David doing an impression, wasn’t it great comedy? I love a man who can laugh at himself, and GS had no problem doing that.
John Castellano says:
The best who knows, colorful and full of life absolutely. Eighty is too young to die in 2010…
Merrill Dubrow says:
I thought I would share Derek Jeter’s comments from the George Steinbrenner and Bob Sheppard tribute and ceremony at Yankee Stadium:
“We gather here tonight to honor two men who were both shining stars in the Yankee universe. Both men, Mr. George Steinbrenner and Mr. Bob Sheppard, cared deeply about their responsibilities to this organization and to our fans, and for that, will forever be remembered in baseball history and in our hearts.
Simply put Mr Steinbrenner and Mr Sheppard both left this organization in a much better place than when they first arrived. They’ve set the example for all employees of the New York Yankees to strive to follow. So now I ask everyone to join us in a moment of silence”.
Derek Jeter is a very classy guy!
Merrill
Merrill Dubrow says:
Also wanted to share the caption under the full page picture and tribute to George from MLB:
A VISIONARY OWNER WHOSE LOVE OF THE GAME WAS LEGENDARY
Great and accurate way to describe Mr Stinbrenner.
Merrill