[Updated at 9:58 a.m.] New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner has died, Steinbrenner's spokesman said.
“It is with profound sadness that the family of George M. Steinbrenner III announces his passing," a statement from his family said. "“He was an incredible and charitable man. First and foremost he was devoted to his entire family – his beloved wife, Joan; his sisters, Susan Norpell and Judy Kamm, his children, Hank, Jennifer, Jessica and Hal; and all of his grandchildren.
“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.”
The team has seven World Series trophies – 1977, '78, '96, '98, '99, 2000 and '09 earned under Steinbrenner's ownership since 1973.
"Owning the Yankees," Steinbrenner once said, "is like owning the Mona Lisa."
[Posted at 9:29 a.m.] New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner has suffered a massive heart attack, according to CNN affiliate reports.
Steinbrenner was rushed to St. Joseph's hospital in Tampa, Florida, and his condition is not known, the station reported.
Steinbrenner turned 80 on July 4.
The team has seven World Series trophies – 1977, '78, '96, '98, '99, 2000 and '09 earned under Steinbrenner's ownership since 1973.
Steinbrenner is the longest-tenured owner in Major League Baseball, having served as principal owner since purchasing the club on Jan.3, 1973, according to the Yankees website. Over that time, the Yankees have won 11 American League pennants.
Steinbrenner has been in failing health in recent years and his son Hal is the managing partner of the team.
Steinbrenner bought the Yankees for $10 million and under his ownership they have become the most valuable team in U.S. professional sports, with Forbes.com estimating its value at over one-billion dollars.
He also was suspended from baseball twice, once after being indicted for allegedly making illegal campaign contributions to Richard Nixon, and once after paying a gambler to dig up dirt on one of his own players, Dave Winfield.
This story is developing. We'll bring you the latest information as we get it.
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I hate what he's done for baseball.
Wish him the best, though.
Fox just reported it..He died
Why? because george spends money on his team unlike some owners who prefer to hoard it and put out crappy products on the field?
He's the reason there should be a cap on salaries
ste531, try READING the ARTICLE. The headline says he died, the article says the same as the CNN one, condition unknown.
Condition unknown is most likely some silly thing, like letting the FAMILY know his condition before the media.
What he's done for baseball is make the sport insanely profitable, internationally known, and made the Yankees the envy of any sports franchise by doing things the right way. He invested his money back into the team instead of hoarding it for himself for the sake of creating a winner. He's the last of dying breed of owners that cared about the fans and winning, instead of greed and power.
Steve, when the article was posted it said he was in critical condition. It was updated after he posted that fox reported he was dead.
RIP Steinbrenner, you'll be missed.
I did read the article. First it said he had a heart attack, and then it was updated to say he died. Other comments were from before the update. Learn how internet journalism works. It's free flowing.
Few people remember that he was charged and convicted in events related to Watergate-
He was not perfect, but he was the best...I've been a Yankee fan all my life. RIP George S.
there IS a cap on salaries – the Yankees just choose to pay the fines and ignore the cap. I despise them.
Reading the article, it begins with '[Updated at 9:58 a.m.], further down reads '[Posted at 9:29 a.m.].
Steinbrenner ruined the game with exorbitant salaries leading to today's ridiculously overpaid "Professionals" and lop-sided divisions.
He waited for Bob Shepard to go first so bob could announce him in heaven? Your attention please, noe entering the pearly gates, "the boss"
I loved what he did for seinfeld.
No, it's because he is a high-profile major metropolitan city sports team owner. It's not rocket science...
I've had three MIs already – they're no picnic. Get well soon, George – you're too interesting to check out this soon.
My heart goes out to the Steinbrenner family. We lost our dad the same way. It is heartbreaking to lose your father.
Rest in Peace George Steinbrenner. I too lost my dad the same way 2 months ago.
@dep312 – what baseball team did your dad own?
RIP Steinbrenner.
I wish his family recovers soon from the loss and the world gets to see another such man who was so influential in the building the Yankees. Yankees fan tribute!
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE – Say it ISN'T SO !! NO WAY !! I Have Been a LIFELONG NEW YORK YANKEES FAN SINCE 1966 !! And I Have a VERY DEEP ADMIRATION For George Steinbrenner !! PLEASE, MR. STEINBRENNER, PLEASE – You Have to Recover !! OH MY GOD !! PLEASE, SAY IT ISN'T SO !!
slvrlegs88, yep I agree with you.
I am so sorry to say this, but it is true he died not that long ago. It is so tragic. God Bless him and his family. This has to be awful for them.
slvrlegs – agreed.
Well, I have to respect him as an amazing businessman, and I will admit that the Yankees have a rich and great history. But as soon as Mr. Steinbrenner took over the team, he single-handedly ruined the sport.
He created a monopoly in what is supposed to be a fair sport and although I have to admit that the Red Sox, Mets, and Dodgers are not far behind the Yankees, it makes me sick to think that a World Series ring can be bought for and not earned.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Steinbrenner. But I'll still continue to cheer on the small market teams such as the Rays and the Rockies that prove that money doesn't mean everything – spirit and love of the game do.
Sorry Mark but it is true. You see son, everyone must die at some point. Except Larry King. He will never die. Now most people will join me in heaven, but not old Georgie Boy. He wont be sitting up here, but like I said, everyone has to die at some point. Except Larry King.
Praying for you George.
"PRAYER": How to do absolutely nothing and still feel like you're helping.
Too many calzones?
A calzone from Paisanos!
Best comment I have read all day....
and kung pow castanza left behind.
Can cnn please stop talking about this guy like he's dead already.
perhaps you should refresh this page right about now
I know Springs hasn't been that effective lately, but I think he's still alive.
Steinbrenner is a great man who restored the Yankees to prominence. Those who say he was bad for baseball have to realize the man played within the rules and was a vocal supporter of those rules. When those "poor" market teams start spending the massive amounts of money the Yankees and other rich teams share with them then those fans can talk.
Ugh, what a horrible week for the Yankees. George has been suffering enough lately with alzheimers, and now this? Wish him all the best, and hopefully a full recovery.
Opie and Anthony confirmed he's dead SiriusXM 202/197
Is there some sort of requirement that every story posted on CNN must be followed by some complete idiot saying "this is not news?"
If Texas was nuked, some moron would post "I live in Idaho, how is this news?"
At 9:40 this AM, the Tampa Bay ABC affiliate is reporting he has died. abcactionnews.com
Ha, looks like you corrected yourself, Steven P., before my sarcastic remark was posted.
And sbp, you are dead on.