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George Steinbrenner

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George Michael Steinbrenner III was a prominent American businessman. He is best known as the principal owner and managing partner of the New York Yankees. He held this leadership role from 1973 until his death in 2010.

Businessman and principal owner of the Yankees George Steinbrenner speaking at the Florida Association of Community Colleges convention
Businessman and principal owner of the Yankees George Steinbrenner speaking at the Florida Association of Community Colleges convention

Steinbrenner was the longest-serving owner in the history of the Yankees baseball club. His tenure was marked by significant competitive success. Under his ownership, the team won seven World Series championships. The Yankees also secured 11 American League pennants. Because of his intense involvement, he became a highly controversial figure in professional sports.

Steinbrenner earned the nickname "the Boss" due to his hands-on management style. He frequently meddled in daily decisions regarding on-field performance. This included the frequent hiring and firing of team managers. The intensity of his involvement led former manager Dallas Green to use the derisive nickname "Manager George."

George Steinbrenner and Bob Sheppard
George Steinbrenner and Bob Sheppard

However, his approach changed over time. From the early 1990s onward, he mostly left baseball operations to the professional staff. He rarely interfered with daily team matters after that period. He officially retired from day-to-day control of the franchise in 2008.

One famous aspect of his leadership was a strict grooming code. This military-style policy applied to all players, coaches, and male executives. They were forbidden from displaying any facial hair other than mustaches, unless for religious reasons. Additionally, scalp hair could not be grown below the collar. This rule led to several unique incidents. In 1983, coach Yogi Berra ordered Goose Gossage to remove a beard. Gossage complied by shaving the beard but left an exaggerated mustache that reached his jawline.

Howard Cosell, George Steinbrenner
Howard Cosell, George Steinbrenner

This look became a permanent part of his appearance.

Steinbrenner's business background began in the shipping industry. He worked for the Kinsman Marine Transit Company on the Great Lakes. This company moved freight such as ore and grain. Steinbrenner eventually purchased the company from his family. He later became the chairman and chief executive officer of the American Shipbuilding Company. By 1972, that company's annual gross sales exceeded $100 million. He also explored other ventures, including Broadway theater. He invested in several shows, including the 1974 Tony Award nominee "Seesaw."

His entry into professional sports began before his time with the Yankees. In 1960, he entered the basketball business with the Cleveland Pipers. He hired John McClendon, who became the first African American coach in professional basketball. The Pipers eventually joined the American Basketball League (ABL). Although the team won the ABL championship in 1961–62, the league folded shortly after. Steinbrenner lost significant money on this venture. However, he successfully paid off all his creditors and partners in the following years.

Steinbrenner's acquisition of the Yankees was a complex financial deal. In 1973, he led an investment group to purchase the team from CBS. The group included several partners, such as E. Michael Burke and Gabe Paul. While reports once suggested a price of $10 million, the true net cost was $8.8 million. This figure accounted for the inclusion of two parking garages. The deal also caused internal friction. Some executives, like E. Michael Burke, left the team due to disputes over authority. This pattern of high-profile departures was common during his early years as owner.

Steinbrenner's life connected various industries, from maritime shipping to professional athletics. He also influenced the economic landscape of baseball by driving up player salaries. His legacy continues through Yankee Global Enterprises. Following his death, his four children have served as general partners for the organization. Steinbrenner died on July 13, 2010, in his Tampa home. His passing occurred on the morning of the 81st All-Star Game. He remains one of the most influential figures in the history of Major League Baseball.

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File:Howard Cosell, George Steinbrenner.jpg
Howard Cosell, George Steinbrenner.jpg
File:George Steinbrenner and Bob Sheppard.jpg
George Steinbrenner and Bob Sheppard.jpg
File:Businessman and principal owner of the Yankees George Steinbrenner speaking at the Florida Association of Community Colleges convention.jpg
Businessman and principal owner of the...
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