RIP George

[Rob D.]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

Rob, Bruce--take this petty stuff off the board. It has no place here, especially in a thread like this.

Agreed. My apologies to the Steinbrenner family.

[byrone]

When I think of Steinbrenner, I think of the ads in the back of late 1970's-early 1980's Baseball Digests, selling T-shirts that exclaimed "I Love NY. Its the Yankees I Hate"

[packs]

Seems only fitting someone would bring up money in a thread about George. But seriously, my friend works in PR and I can't think of a more annoying few minutes of my day than when I'm eating lunch with him and he's telling me how so and so like's their steak, or if I'm drinking a coke about how much so and so loves coke. Gets old fast. I get it, you met a celebrity.

[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.