NY Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, who turned 80 on July 4th, died around 6:30 this morning after suffering from a massive heart attack and being rushed to St. Joseph’s hospital in Tampa, Florida.
Steinbrenner rarely appeared in public these last few years due to his failing health. In April 2009, he attended the opening game at the new Yankees stadium, the first two games at Yankees Stadium in the 2009 World Series, and his last appearance at the 2010 home opener.
Also due to his health, in 2007 he turned the day-to-day operations of the team over to his sons Hank and Hal.
After buying the Yankees in 1973, who at the time were in a downward spiral, Steinbrenner wasn’t without his share of tumult and trouble like two suspensions from baseball and a revolving door of coaches and managers. Still, he led the team to take home 11 pennants and 7 World Series Champions titles.
Steinbrenner is often largely credited with the Yankees reemergence as a powerhouse of baseball during his 37 year reign as owner.
Steinbrenner’s death comes just two days after the death of the Yankees announcer Bob Sheppard, who passed away at 99.