RIP George

[makersmarkambassador]

Did anyone catch the clip on ESPN of Yogi discussing the way George fired him in 85? It's very moving. Toward the end of the clip, Yogi broke down and was hard to hold back his emotions. Sad day for baseball even if you are not a Yankees fan.

[Joe_G.]

A sad time indeed for Yankee fans and all of baseball with both Sheppard and Steinbrenner passing. Best wishes to family and friends as they deal with their loss. Love George or hate him, you have to appreciate what he accomplished. I too like hearing about the softer side of the Boss.

[sbfinley]

I loathed the man until a few years ago when I visited some friends in the Tampa area. I dare you to find a school, hospital, clinic, or university in the vicinity that doesn't have something named after or donated by him. Last year I read a USA Today article detailing his dedication and monetary donations to the families of Police Officers and Firefighters in the region and greater NY. (Baseball politics aside, and least we forget baseball is not a game but a business) Just a great guy.


R.I.P. Boss

[kkkkandp]

...you just didn't want to work for him (or maybe be a family member).

George attended the same college I did (Williams) and I met him once in Williamstown. In that environment he was just as approachable and friendly as any other alumnus.

I'll add to the positive stories that tbob and Steve related. A female classmate of mine was working in the New York area after graduation and was going to Florida to meet family for the Christmas holiday. Through some unfortunate circumstances she missed her flight, which happened to be last flight out for the evening. George was at the same airport and came upon her crying. After starting a conversation with her, when he found out she, too, was a Williams alum, George took her to Florida on his jet.

George had some good qualities. He just cared (some would argue he cared too much) about winning.

[mr2686]

I think it's well documented that the man was hard to work for, but lets face it, there are tons of people in every day jobs that are hard to work for...even impossible to work for and they never show a softer side. If I know nothing else about the man, the fact that he was so generous with charitable contributions, and that he always took care of former employees and their families, is enough for me to know he was a good guy.
Rest in Peace George.

[steve B]

As a Sox fan I'll miss him. If he hadn't built the Yankees into the team they are, I don't think the Sox would be the same team. And the rivalry wouldn't be what it is.

The club I'm in had a former Yankee as a speaker, and he had many interesting things to say about him. One was that one of the first things he checked every day was the attendance figures for the Mets. If they were outdrawing the Yankees it was almost guaranteed that he'd say something a bit out of line about a player. But that it was always a player who was secure enough to handle it or a guy that would respond well. (Like Winfield being Mr May)
The second was that for many players he was privately a really great guy. This player had some family thing going on, I think it was a child being born and was summoned to the office. he was expecting to be grilled about how long he expected to be out, but instead was told to take as much time as he needed and to come back when he was ready.

Tough business man, but a guy who knew how to make the team a success both on field and for profit. And probably way nicer than he seemed publicly.

Steve B

[Frank A]

When I think of him it reminds me of the few owners who ruined baseball by thier greedy spending.

[Jim VB]

Originally Posted by Frank A

When I think of him it reminds me of the few owners who ruined baseball by thier greedy spending.

Your statement is oxymoronic. What is "greedy spending"?


I think baseball is being ruined by the greedy owners who won't spend to make their teams competitive.