George Steinbrenner in Tampa

George Steinbrenner left us on July 13, 2010, leaving behind quite the legacy. Steinbrenner was known throughout much of the world as the owner of the New York Yankees, which he developed into the most storied (both loved and hated) franchise in sports. “The Boss” was very hands on with the team, making daily decisions in the management of the Yankees and would also hire and fire. Pennants, rings, and trophies have all found their way to Yankee Stadium, which in turn has had a positive effect on Tampa through the years as well. With quite a few MLB debates beginning and ending with George Steinbrenner’s influence on baseball, he has certainly left behind a legacy that none of us will soon forget.

There is another side to Mr. Steinbrenner which the media fails to reference and ESPN cares not to highlight. I personally hate the Yankees, but never knew how much he meant to the city of Tampa until I moved here 6 years ago. I realized the Yankees and Tampa were close, tied in a bond, and that bond was Steinbrenner. Besides having resided in Tampa since the 70′s, he was active in the development of the area and had an influence on local real estate.  He moved the Yankee Spring Training facility across from Raymond James Stadium, the home of the Buccaneers.

George Steinbrenner gave a lot of time and money to various charities in our area, especially those involved in bettering children’s lives. He focused on disadvantaged children, high school athletes and coaches, members of the military, firefighters, and police officers. A foundation he was involved in, The Gold Shield, provides college tuition to children of police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and is a widely supported local charity. He also sponsored the 4th of July fireworks in Tampa (which happen to fall on his birthday), a ball to raise money for high school coaches, a pediatric emergency and trauma center at St. Joseph’s Hospital, the Boys and Girls Club, and is also the namesake for a local high school.

The City of Tampa knew George as a friend, not just a baseball owner in New York. Local families grew up with his children, and current Yankee players find themselves living in Tampa’s communities.  Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Jorge Posada are current residents, and the organization and its family have always had a home in Hillsborough County. With all of the Yankee’s successes, Tampa has always enjoyed an incredible amount of charitable participation in Tampa Bay.  George was not just a leader in New York, but locally as well, and will greatly be missed in Tampa Bay. We lovingly offer our support the Steinbrenner family, sincerely appreciate the great things they have done for this town, and hope that we can all come together for them in their time of need.

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