New York Yankees longtime owner George Steinbrenner died this morning from a massive heart attack, his family confirmed in a statement. He was 80 years old.
"It is with profound sadness that the family of George M. Steinbrenner III announces his passing," 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."
"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 of his grandchildren."
Steinbrenner bought the Yankees for $10 million in 1973, and he is given a great deal of credit for the organization's turnaround and emergence as a powerhouse in the 37 years since. With his intimidating personality and tendency to immerse himself in the team's business, Steinbrenner earned the nickname "The Boss." He became one of the most powerful figures in Major League Baseball.
He didn't shy away from public confrontation with players and managers, and many in the baseball community consider Steinbrenner's reign as one of turmoil and instability. (He hired and fired 12 managers, including Billy Martin five times.) But he also wasn't afraid to shell out money to bring in some of baseball's biggest names in pursuit of championships.
Under Steinbrenner's ownership, New York won 11 pennants and seven World Series championships.
Steinbrenner's involvement with the team continued through 2007, when his fragile health forced him to give day-to-day control of the Yankees to his sons Hank and Hal.
His death, coming just two days after longtime Yankees public announcer Bob Sheppard, makes this week one of sadness for New York sports fans after the loss of the two Yankee icons.
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