Many fans of baseball may have loved to hate him, but few of us can really fault the man for his passion for winning and the contributions he made to the game and the legacy of the New York Yankees. With that said, and despite any personal misgivings toward George Steinbrenner, those same baseball fans are united in mourning after learning that Steinbrenner had passed away earlier today at the age of 80.
George Steinbrenner achieved a level of success that few sports owners ever have, parlaying a struggling team he purchased for $8.8 million into a franchise worth an estimated $1.6 billion, winning seven world championships during his tenure. Steinbrenner was also known as much for his antics with the media, managers, and players as he was for his dedication to putting together the best team’s money could buy.
But George left a completely different legacy as well, as he was one of the greatest sound bites that sports reporters could dream of. The following is just a small collection of some of the greatest George Steinbrenner quotes ever captured.
“I am dead set against free agency. It can ruin baseball.”
- Given that the Yankees have made a living off of the free agent market since its inception, one could argue that George was a little hypocritical here. But then again, there are very few fans of small market teams that would disagree with this quote either.
“I will never have a heart attack. I give them.”
- George gave his fair share of heart attacks during his reign atop the Yankees. From managers to general managers to players and fellow owners, Steinbrenner was a force to be reckoned with. Fitting though that a man who fired on all cylinders would eventually succumb to just such an attack.
“Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next.”
- If there was one mantra that Steinbrenner lived by, it was winning. Winning was everything and the fans of New York always knew if George was steering the ship, he would make sure they had the best chance to do it.
“He pushed me to strive for excellence. If I competed in five races and won four, we talked about the one I lost.”
- This was part of a quote about how George’s father pushed him in athletics, but it personifies what he stood for as an owner, especially in regards to the Yankees. Steinbrenner didn’t want to hear about how much was achieved unless it was completed with a world championship.
“When you're entrusted with a tradition, you've got to protect it.”
- Steinbrenner certainly recognized the tradition that the Yankees had and made it a point to protect and expand it. He made them the most recognizable franchise in all of sports, establishing them more as a name brand than a team. He also instilled the same mentality in his children, who he’s now entrusted to carry on that tradition.
George Steinbrenner will always be remembered as one of the most recognizable owners that American sports have even seen. He will be missed by all, fans and detractors alike. Rest in peace Boss.
Sources:
Yankees Owner George Steinbrenner Dies at 80, Boston.com
George Steinbrenner, Wikipedia.com
George Steinbrenner Quotes, BrainyQuotes.com
George Steinbrenner Quotes, ThinkExist.com
George Steinbrenner Quotes, Esquire.com
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