The “BOSS” George Steinbrenner Dies at 80

The tumultuous 37-year reign of George Steinbrenner as owner of the New York Yankees came to an end this morning with the death of the Boss from a massive heart attack. Steinbrenner or the BOSS led the Yankees to 11 American League Pennants and 7 World Series .

He was one of those larger than life heroic New York Personalities. Outspoken and brash like the city it self .Who’s raise and fall and raise again was so much a part of the New York experience. Love him or hate the Boss was one of those people that makes New York what it is.Steinbrenner had a huge impact on the city, baseball and was an inspiration for a generation of 70′s kids who grew up through the worst of times in New York City. Through the crime ,the fiscal crisis ,son of sam ,the Bronx is burning and even disco Steinbrenner delivered back to back titles in 77 and 78 when Yankee fans and New Yorkers needed it the most .And later even after the September 11th attacks the Yankees played ball.

Steinbrenner headed a group of investors who bought the Yankees from CBS in 1973 for mere $10 million. Today the franchise is the most valuable sports franchise in the world ,worth somewhere near $1 billion. After the purchase in 1973, Steinbrenner quickly established himself as a larger than life unique firebrand, earning fame, admiration and ire for his impulsive personnel moves, pioneering business strategies, and win-at-all-costs New York mentality. Representing the will to overcome all odds in precisely the same will New Yorkers display meeting every challenge they face daily.

The Boss spared with managers and players and was perhaps more known in his early Yankee years for having it out with the likes of Reggie Jackson, Billy Martin and Dave Winfield.
The Boss was a larger than life figure and a force in the industry. His truly heroic rise and success of his teams on the field and in the business area are a testament to his skill, drive, and determination. It was his trade make and became the Yankee way ,the winning way .
As the wild days of the 1970′s gave way to the class acts of the Joe Torre years the Yankees became the most popular and profitable team in the nation. Pardoned by President Reagan, feuded with Hall of Fame’er Yogi Berra suspended from baseball by Bowie Kuhn ,owner ,business man and number one fan ,going though managers like most men go though socks ,there will never be another one like the “BOSS” George Steinbrenner

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