He was brash. He was bold. He was arrogant. He was unapologetic. He was fiery. He was temperamental.
He was the Boss.
George Steinbrenner, who bought a struggling Yankees team in 1973 and over the next 35 years, restored it as major league baseball’s flagship organization, passed away early Tuesday morning at the age of 80. Reports are saying that Steinbrenner died from a heart attack at his home in Tampa.
“It is with profound sadness that the family of George M. Steinbrenner III announces his passing. He passed away this morning in Tampa, Fla., at age 80,” the family said in a statement. “He was an incredible and charitable man. He was a visionary and a giant in the world of sports. He took a great but struggling franchise and turned it into a champion again.”
Steinbrenner had just celebrated his 80th birthday on July 4. According to reports, he was taken to a Tampa hospital after emergency crews responded to his home Monday night. The family said that funeral arrangements will be private, but details about an additional public service will be announced at a later date.
