George Steinbrenner, longtime owner of the New York Yankees, has died of a heart attack at the age of 80. The New York Daily News reports that Steinbrenner passed away this morning in Tampa, Florida. Steinbrenner had been in failing health the past few years after suffering a series of strokes. Steinbrenner was known as an intimidating figure who ruled the Yankees for 35 years, winning 11 American League pennants and seven world championships.
His family released the following statement: “It is with profound sadness that the family of George M. Steinbrenner III announces his passing,” the statement said. “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 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.”
During Steinbrenner’s leadership, the Yankees recovered from a dark period and skyrocketed in value from $8.8 million to over a billion dollars. But Steinbrenner’s reign was turbulent; he hired and fired 12 managers (including Billy Martin five times) between Ralph Houk and Joe Torre.
A Cleveland native, Steinbrenner graduated from Williams College in Massachusetts and did military service at Ohio’s Lockbourne Air Force base. He is survived by his wife Joan Zieg, his two sons Harold and Hank, and his two daughters, Jennifer Swindal and Jessica Steinbrenner. Funeral arrangements will be private. There will be an additional public service with details TBD.
