Steinbrenner’s Reign Is Over.

(Zell's Pinstripe Blog)

Hal Steinbrenner will now take over the day-to-day operations of the New York Yankees from owner Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. Hal turns 40-years-old on Dec. 3.

George Steinbrenner

Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next.—George M. Steinbrenner III

Who would have thought it? George Steinbrenner—a wealthy shipping businessman would become one of the most controversial sports figures in history. A guy that everyone thought knew nothing about baseball delivered ten pennants and six World Series titles during his tenure.

You either loved him or you hated him.

He was exiled from baseball and was brought back. He changed free agency, salaries, and the business of baseball. He restored a dynasty and fired his manager 22 times as  owner. He issued a head and facial hair policy, was involved in thoroughbred horse racing, appeared on Seinfeld, and beer and credit card commercials. He was made for the media.

He was caricatured in '07 on the ESPN series The Bronx Is Burning. The man was anywhere you could imagine. Steinbrenner had his problems with Billy Martin, Reggie Jackson, and Dave Winfield over the years, but that didn't get in his way.

The question is: Does George Steinbrenner deserve to be in baseball's Hall of Fame?

Hal Steinbrenner's Thoughts

Hal is now responsible for the club's financial operations and Hank will oversee General Manager Brian Cashman and baseball operations.

"As I said at the meeting, I appreciate the confidence that Commissioner Selig and the rest of the owners have in me," Hal said. "I realize it's a great responsibility. Needless to say, my dad is a tough act to follow. But I'm going to do it to the best of my ability and give it my all every day. I certainly won't make light of the magnitude of it."

"He's been slowing down for the last couple of years," Hal Steinbrenner said of his 78-year-old father. "For the last two years, I've been intimately involved with all departments and all aspects of the company. It's what I've been doing day-to-day. My duties really aren't going to change, and my work days really aren't going to change much."

Yankees president Randy Levine said, "I think Hal is a little shy about this, but the last few years he's been in New York every single week. He's on top of everything. George is still going to be involved. This is really a codification—with the commissioner's help and input—of what's been going on the last several years."

George Steinbrenner Tribute Videos

Tribute 1, Tribute 2

George Steinbrenner Owner Timeline

The good times we had...