I’ve been working the phones today trying to help get quotes for The Advocate’s coverage of the death of George Steinbrenner.
Bobby Valentine just called me back from Anaheim, where he is covering tonight’s All-Star game for ESPN, and had this to say:
“George was one of the great competitors, one of the great owners and one of the great personalities in the history of New York sports. I feel honored to have known him. Since I never worked for him I only have one perspective and that is of admiration. He set a standard for everybody else to keep up with. When my teams played him, whether it was the Texas Rangers or New York Mets, I got handwritten notes from him complementing me if the team looked good and wishing me well if it did not.”
I texted Cashman yesterday but never heard back. There was one brief comment to the AP. I am sure you will be hearing a lot from him soon.
There is little doubt that the “Boss” valued a win at all costs mentality that made the Yankees into what they are today. Bobby V looked great two nights ago on the All-Star telecast and his prediction of Big Papi winning the HR Derby was right on.
I still haven’t seen a quote or comments from Brian Cashman on George’s passing.