Known predominantly as the most powerful owner in all of sports, George Steinbrenner died of a massive heart attack earlier today.
We lost a great owner whether you loved him or hated him. In fact, most of us loved to hate him just like his beloved Yankees.
Many, including myself, criticized the way Steinbrenner threw his millions of dollars around to stack his teams which gave him unfair advantages over other owners.
However an interesting point was made on ESPN radio and I can't deny how valid it actually is. Other owners and fans alike can be upset about how much more money Steinbrenner had than their own ball clubs, but his teams that he built filled up the stands in opposing ball parks.
Ever seen a Royals game sold out? Not for a regular game you haven't, but if the Yankees are in town then that ballpark is getting the highest attendance it will see all season.
I remember back when the Rays were the Devil Rays and better yet the worst team in baseball. They barely had a higher attendance than some high school programs probably get. But when those Yankees came to town that ballpark filled up like the Devil Rays were a dynasty.
Those owners get that extra money for all those Yankee fans filling up their seats.
Yes, he was the villain but sometimes the villain is the most important character in the movie, or in this case the sport. He rebuilt a Yankee organization that had fallen behind the Mets when he took them over in 1973.
The best thing about Steinbrenner was that he cared so much about winning. He was actually passionate about his team and wasn't just in it for the money. I respect that so much after growing up in a world where sports is becoming more and more about the dollar sign and less and less about the actual game itself.
You can't hate the man for using his money wisely. What was he suppose to do? Equally share his money? I wouldn't do that if I was in his situation, and neither would you.
He bougth the team for around $10 million and now the team is worth over $1.5 billion. I'd say that was a good investment Mr. Steinbrenner.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Steinbrenner family tonight.
The Yankees Under Steinbrenner
- 7 World Series championships
- 11 AL pennants
- 16 division titles
- Worth jumped from $10 million in 73' to $1.65 billion today
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