George Steinbrenner: Yankees Boss Dies at 80

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New York (GaeaTimes.com) Legendary New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner has died this morning after a massive heart attack in his Tampa home. He was rushed to St. Joseph’s Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

He bought a declining Yankees team in 1973 and after that Yankees earned 11 pennants and 7 World Series titles. His outspokenness, role in driving up player salaries and hands on executive style earned him a nickname The Boss. He remained the owner of the Yankees till his death, the longest in club history.

He was an incredible and charitable man.

The family said in a statement,

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.

George Steinbrenner, the U.S. Navy veteran introduced a grooming policy into his team. No player or coach was allowed to sport their hair past their collar and the only acceptable facial hair was a moustache. He retired from running the Yankees in 2006. His sons Hank and Hal took over his job.

George Steinbrenner turned 80 years old on July 4th. George Steinbrenner was having poor health in the past few years. He rarely appeared publicly. He attended the opening game at the new stadium in April 2009. He sat in his suite with his wife Joan. He received an ovation when he was introduced.

It is reported that the funeral arrangements will be private and there will be additional public service. The details will be announced at a later date.