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| To a lifelong Yankee fan like me, yesterday brought with it a significant measure of sadness and reflection. The passing of George M. Steinbrenner (and Bob Sheppard two days prior) closes a chapter not only in my life, but also in the lives of countless other members of the Yankees Universe. | Rare is the man who can incite such completely disparate reactions from friends and foes alike. Steinbrenner managed to occupy dual roles as hero and villain, both famously and infamously, all while paradoxically defying convention, predictability and mediocrity. Quite simply, he was The Boss. | |||
| There are legions of sportswriters more talented than I am, so it’s probably for the best to leave the details of Steinbrenner’s life and times to the professionals. I am not here to debate his merits, flaws and accomplishments, but I am here to thank him for his dedication to excellence, his strict adherence to doing things “his way,” and for his unwavering commitment to bringing the very best product to his fans year in and year out.
Steinbrenner once said that “second place is really the first loser.” Despite Little League parents’ protestations otherwise, he was right. There’s nothing wrong with being the best, and doing whatever it takes to win within the rules. Say what you want about the man, he got results. The seven World Series victories achieved by the Yankees during the Boss’s tenure is more than any other franchise has won in its history (save for the Cardinals)! Think about that for a moment; it’s almost unfathomable. Simply put, he was a legend. He was unparalleled. He was a winner. |
I can’t help but think that things have changed for good. As my firstborn son winds up his womb-nap, it saddens me to realize that he’ll never get to hear Bob Sheppard’s voice in the old Yankee Stadium, or any stadium for that matter. He’ll never get to read bombastic quotes on the back page of the tabloids, courtesy of Steinbrenner. He’ll have to rely solely on my memories (and the Interwebs) to learn just how amazing the game of baseball was before he entered the world.
Maybe it’s more about my own maturation as the passing of the sands of time becomes more pronounced in my consciousness. I can still vividly recall what the Stadium looked, smelled and sounded like the first time my Dad brought me there. I’ve long known that nothing lasts forever, but it just seems more real to me now, more obvious, and more affecting. Yogi Berra coined the phrase “It ain’t over ’til it’s over.” Well, for the Boss, it’s finally over, and for me, a new era is about to begin. So thanks for the memories, Mr. Steinbrenner, and may you R.I.P. |
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Tags: Baseball, Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner, MLB, Yankees
Such a great piece!! R.I.P BOSS.. you will be missed.
This really drives it home. I’m a Mets fans, but secretly always admired The Boss and wished he owned my team. Well said, well written, well done.
The Boss will be sorely missed. RIP, Mr. Steinbrenner.
George M. Steinbrenner III was a complete a-hole for many years, but he definetely mellowed out and redeemed himself by the end. I’m not a Yankees fan (more of a hater, myself), but the guy knew what it took to win, and would stop at nothing to bring his fans Championships. Good piece, Go Red Sox!
Nicely done my man!
Gotta love The Boss despite all the bad stories and his bully mentality.
Personally, I love The Boss’ line that winning was second only to breathing for him.
He will be missed.
Thank you Peter. Well said.
The only person crazier than Big Stein during the 80’s was my alcoholic wife. RIP Mr. Steinbrenner, I’m sorry I never brought you that ring.