Tuesday, July 13, 2010

George Steinbrenner and the All-Star Game

George Steinbrenner passed away this morning.

From ESPN:

George Steinbrenner, who rebuilt the New York Yankees into a sports empire with a mix of bluster and big bucks that polarized fans all across America, died Tuesday. He had just celebrated his 80th birthday July 4.

Steinbrenner had a heart attack, was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, Fla., and died at about 6:30 a.m. ET, according to multiple reports.

"It is with profound sadness that the family of George M. Steinbrenner III announces his passing. He passed away this morning in Tampa, Fla., at age 80," the Steinbrenner family said in a statement.

"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."

No doubt there will be a tribute of some sort and a moment of silence observed for Steinbrenner at MLB's All-Star Game tonight.

It's fitting that a giant figure like Steinbrenner will be remembered on the national stage, when the baseball world gathers in one place and will be directing its attention to this one game.

R.I.P.

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