I was pretty torn up this morning when I read George Steinbrenner had passed away. I didn’t sulk or cry, but it definitely put a huge damper on my day. I’ve never met the man in my life, but I still feel like I lost somebody.
Say what you want about delussional sports fans. I know I take this stuff way to seriously. I know that athletes, coaches, and owners couldn’t care less if I passed away. Still, sports fans as dedicated as Trick and I feel connected to these people. Regardless of my connection to George, I still feel saddened.
The fact of the matter is he’s responsible for a lot of great family memories for me. His Yankees brought my whole family together. It was the one thing we all agreed on (except for one aunt who roots for Boston, I never understood her). This wouldn’t have been possible if the Yankees were owned by Woody Johnson or James Dolan. Steinbrenner had resurrected the Yankees just in time for me to catch one of the greatest sports dynasties of the last 50 years.
I wouldn’t have rooted for the Yankees if they weren’t a good team. I know, it’s a bandwagon mentality. I was seven, sue me. Like every kid, I wanted to root for Griffey and the Mariners. Thankfully, the Yankees were good enough to help my father convince me to root for his team. The Yankees are the only connection I have to the state I was born in. I could care less for the Giants, Knicks, Rangers, etc.
The late 90′s Yankee Dynasty was a special time. Jeter, Martinez, Williams…that was a special team. Steinbrenner made it all possible because he’s always been daring enough to spend a large chunk of the revenue. It’s what made him the best owner in baseball. Say what you want about his attitude or his deep pockets, but every fan should dream of an owner like Steinbrenner. He knew how to build a club that was succesful competitively and financially.
I wish I could thank George for giving me something to share with my father and my grandfather. Hell, the Yankees are still the only way my mother can enjoy sports with me. I can’t say I remember the result of most Yankee games I’ve attended, but I remember the memories I’ve made with my family, friends, and fiancée.
I know I’m getting sappy, but the Yankees mean a lot to me. George Steinbrenner made it all possible. Rest in peace George.
Filed under: Magic Fanatic's Posts, MLB Tagged: | George Steinbrenner, New York Yankees
Good post. The boss’ legacy is complicated, but like you I have great memories of his days as an owner.
Thanks, it is complicated. He burned a lot of bridges and yes, he wasn’t the smartest owner before i started rooting for them. Either way, I don’t think there is a baseball fan out there that wouldn’t want Steinbrenner