July 13th, 2010
09:29 AM ET

George Steinbrenner dead after massive heart attack

[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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Filed under: Sports
soundoff (201 Responses)
  1. LISA

    RIP George....

    July 13, 2010 at 10:42 am | Report abuse |
  2. Michael Smith

    George changed the face of sports with the single act of offering to renegotiate Reggie Jacksons contract after he had a great season. Since that time it seems like any athlete that has a great season the first thing he wants to do is renegotiate the terms and conditions of the contract. It's a shame he's gone but he's also the reason so many athletes today are so grossly overpaid by comparison to what the average individual gets paid.

    July 13, 2010 at 10:45 am | Report abuse |
  3. Mike

    He definitely changed the game, but it was bound to as free agency came along the same time he did. He just had the drive to win more than anyone else. You hated him if you were not a Yankees fan because you hated the Yankees. If he owned your team you would have loved him. Why? Because he did whatever he felt was necessary to win and your team would have won, often...

    By the way, he only ended up with the Yankees because he was denied in his bid to by the Indians. Another great decision by Cleveland...

    July 13, 2010 at 10:47 am | Report abuse |
  4. LISA

    RIP... Mr. Steinbrenner....

    July 13, 2010 at 10:48 am | Report abuse |
  5. James C.

    Sad to see any person die, but Steinbrenner RUINED baseball with his willingness to pay ballplayer's far above what they are worth. Took the loyality right out of the game and made it a game of greed.

    As the saying went: :"THE BEST TEAM MONEY COULD BUY"!!!!!!

    July 13, 2010 at 10:48 am | Report abuse |
  6. jose

    i fiel sorry

    July 13, 2010 at 10:49 am | Report abuse |
  7. Walt

    I never liked the Yankees but I did like George because he was willing to spend whatever it took to put the best team on the field.

    July 13, 2010 at 10:51 am | Report abuse |
  8. Gumby

    I am sorry he died but he was the leader in ruining competiveness in baseball. When he is allowed to spend over $200 million more than the lowest payroll team that is not a level playing field. Baseball needs an over/under cap. Must spend $50 mil and can't spend over $100 mil. Real parity would come. Until then you will only see a small salary team win the WS once in a blue moon.

    July 13, 2010 at 10:52 am | Report abuse |
  9. SouthernYank

    Anybody making fun of the man that modernized baseball, gave fans something to cheer for or against after the strikes in the 80's and 90's should be ashamed. I dont care if you love or hate the Yankees, they are good for all of sports. They are franchise that every team in the world is compared to. Thank you "Boss" for all you have done inside and outside of the sports world. We are all better because of it.

    July 13, 2010 at 10:53 am | Report abuse |
  10. TampaGrl

    So sad about Mr. Steinbrenner such a wonderful philanthropist! I'm curious if he had a heart attack why didn't take him to Tampa General Hospital that has the best cardiac care facility versus St Joe's and it's closer to his house?

    July 13, 2010 at 10:59 am | Report abuse |
  11. KLL

    Thanks "BOSS"........RIP...

    July 13, 2010 at 11:00 am | Report abuse |
  12. Greg, Ontario

    He proved you could buy a world series again and again. All the while giving the players rediculous contracts and turning a profit at the same time. His bottom line effect on the game was the 10 dollar ticket is now 100 dollars and it gets you a game riddled with commercial breaks. Call it what you want imho he had a negative effect on the game.

    July 13, 2010 at 11:00 am | Report abuse |
  13. John

    Next story please CNN, he was not God, it is only breaking news for a while, not all day, move on.

    July 13, 2010 at 11:01 am | Report abuse |
  14. TampaGrl

    Luckily for his estate no taxes !

    July 13, 2010 at 11:01 am | Report abuse |
  15. george

    hey it was his money ,he could and did spend it the way he wanted,the team will never be the same without georg ,RIP GEORGE YOU DID US PROUD

    July 13, 2010 at 11:03 am | Report abuse |
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