Tuesday morning, the Yankee fanbase was struck with the devastating news that Hank Steinbrenner, co-owner of the team, has passed away.
The New York Post reported the story by saying, “Hank Steinbrenner, at one-time in line to succeed his father George and run the Yankees, died at home in Clearwater [Florida] after a long battle with an illness”.
During his reign behind the scenes in the Bronx, he was part of the “Four Horseman”, which included Derek Jeter, Mo Rivera and Andy Pettitte. But a few years ago, when Hank first became ill, he stepped out the public eye and handed over the reigns of the team to his brother Hal.
This was quite an honor to be included in that group especially as someone that didn’t step out on the diamond each night.
He left the on-field action to the players and his presence was felt with his shrewd moves in trading for players. He always made sure the team keep to it’s extraordinarily high standards, and keeping the winning tradition a live.
Nothing summed Hank up better than his famous quote about the Red Sox back in 2008.
“Red Sox Nation? What a bunch of bullshit that is… That was a creation of the Red Sox and ESPN, which is filled with Red Sox fans… Go anywhere in America and you won’t see Red Sox hats and jackets, you’ll see Yankee hats and jackets. This is Yankee country. We’re going to put the Yankees back on top and restore the universe in order.”
Hank accomplished his goals and when the Yankees won, we knew all knew the universe was in fact, “in order”. Sadly, Hank won’t be around to see the Yankees reclaim their World Series titles but we know he’ll be watching the games from the VIP seats in the sky seated next to his father, George “The Boss” Steinbrenner.
Our prayers and thoughts go out to the Steinbrenner family and all Yankee fans through the world.
Photo: Newsday
