NEW YORK (AP) - George Steinbrenner died today. He rebuilt the New York Yankees into a sports empire with a mix of bluster and big bucks that polarized fans all across America.
Steinbrenner had just celebrated his 80th birthday on July 4. A person close to the owner told The Associated Press that Steinbrenner had a heart attack. He was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, Fla., where he died around 6:30 this morning.
For more than 30 years, Steinbrenner lived up to his billing as "the Boss."
He earned the nickname and clearly enjoyed it as he ruled with an iron fist.
The Yankees won six World Series titles during his reign. He also was known for feuds. He clashed with Yankees great Yogi Berra and fired manager Billy Martin twice.
As his health declined, Steinbrenner let his sons, Hal and Hank,
run more of the family business. Steinbrenner was in fragile health for years. He'd made fewer public appearances and pronouncements.
Till the end, he demanded championships. He barbed Joe Torre during the 2007 AL playoffs, then let the popular manager leave after another loss in the opening round. The team responded last year by winning another title.
His death was the second in three days to rock the Yankees. Bob Sheppard, the team's revered public address announcer from 1951-07, died Sunday at 99.