Speaking at the 81st MLB All-Star post-match press conference in Anaheim, California, New York Yankees icons Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez honored their former boss. Both players shared fond memories of Late George Steinbrenner while speaking at the event.
Popularly known as ‘The Boss’ within & outside the MLB Community, Steinbrenner died of a heart attack on July the 13th, 2010.
George Steinbrenner: Boss, Friend, Father Figure
An owner of the New York Yankees since the year 1973, George Steinbrenner was always a commanding presence for his team. An enigmatic and mercurial character through & through, Steinbrenner was notorious for firing staff members and changing management personnel at the flick of a switch. However, he was also a major motivational force behind the New York Yankees’ persistence as a baseball powerhouse over the decades.
Steinbrenner passed away on the morning of the 81st MLB All-Stars Game. His loss was felt by the entire Baseball society. But in part, the most affected were the Yankees players, who poured in with emotional tributes. Amongst them were Yankees stars Derek Jeter and Alex ‘A – Rod’ Rodriguez, who were clearly touched deep within.
Both players participating in the All-Stars Game later spoke about the loss of a close acquaintance and father figure in Steinbrenner, after the game.
Speaking in the same press conference, Derek Jeter quoted, “It’s tough because he is more than just an owner to me, he’s a friend of mine. He will be deeply missed. I think he’s a father figure to everyone that was in our organization, past or present.”
“For me, it was always a dream to play for an owner like George Steinbrenner”, said Alex Rodriguez, speaking to the press. “Till this day, we’re still playing for him, not to let him down”, added Rodriguez in honor of Steinbrenner.
Gone But Never To Be Forgotten
Despite the numerous controversies, one can never ignore George Steinbrenner’s contributions to New York Yankees and the sport itself. While his fierce attitude and temperamental nature made him a foe of many, it also drove the Yankees to be league rank toppers. It was under his ownership that the Yankees won 11 American League pennants and seven World Series Championships, including three consecutive title victories. No wonder he will forever walk through the Yankees’ memory lane.
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The post ‘More Than Just an Owner to Me’– When NY Yankees Stars Derek Jeter and Alex ‘A–Rod’ Rodriguez Paid Tribute to ‘Father Figure’ George Steinbrenner After His Demise appeared first on EssentiallySports.
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