Rare Photos of George Steinbrenner

SI Staff | Jul 13, 2010

Rare Photos of George Steinbrenner /

Rare Photos of George Steinbrenner

1970s

New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner died on July 13 at the age of 80. In his 37 years as owner, the Bronx Bombers won seven World Series championships and became one of the most celebrated franchises in professional sports. SI looks back at the life of "The Boss."

1977

The 1977 season, with Billy Martin as manager, would bring Steinbrenner his first of seven World Series titles with the Yankees. The World Series would culminate in Reggie Jackson's three-home run performance in Game 6.

1977

Steinbrenner was a notoriously hands-on owner, always one to be involved in on- and off-field dealings with the Yankees.

1977

Before he took over the Yankees, Steinbrenner was influential in the Cleveland shipping industry. He grew more powerful after merging Kinsman Marine Transit with the American Shipbuilding Company in 1967, paving the way for his eventual purchase of the Yankees.

1977

Steinbrenner's Yankee Stadium owner's box was a place he frequented, as well as a source of a handful of memorable moments in Yankees history. Perhaps the most unforgettable is Roger Clemens announcing his return to the Yankees from the box in May 2007.

1970's

Under the direction of two different managers, New York won World Series in 1977 and 1978, providing plenty of reason for Steinbrenner to celebrate. They were the Yankees' first titles since 1962.

1977

After a long and tumultuous 1977 season that would later be chronicled in the book The Bronx is Burning, Steinbrenner took some time to celebrate the World Series win with a friend.

1977

Of all the players who passed through during Steinbrenner's ownership of the Yankees, he had perhaps the best relationship with Thurman Munson, with whom he is seen here commemorating the 1977 championship. After Munson's death in a plane crash in 1979, Steinbrenner said it was the "saddest day of my life."

1978

Steinbrenner revolutionized the Yankees -- and sports -- by starting his own television network and ballpark food company. Forbes now values the Yankees at $1.6 billion, trailing only Manchester United ($1.8 billion) and the Dallas Cowboys ($1.65 billion).

1980

The Yankees sold a postcard in the 1980's featuring Steinbrenner, Billy Martin, Thurman Munson and Reggie Jackson.

1980

Steinbrenner held court with sportscaster Howard Cosell and others at an event in 1980.

1981

In December 1980, Steinbrenner signed free-agent outfielder Dave Winfield to a 10-year contract that would turn out to be worth just over $17 million. Frustrated by Winfield's performance, Steinbrenner would call him "Mr. May" in September 1985.

1990

The youngest of three children, Steinbrenner attended Culver Military Academy in Indiana. At Williams College, he ran track and specialized in hurdles. He also enjoyed shooting baskets from time to time.

1990

Steinbrenner ofter gave millions to charity, often with one stipulation, that no one be told who made the donation.

1993

Steinbrenner liked to quote military figures and saw games as an extension of war. No surprise that in the tunnel leading from the Yankees' clubhouse to the field, he had a sign posted with a saying from Gen. Douglas MacArthur: "There is no substitute for victory."

1996

Dressed in his trademark navy blue blazer and white turtleneck, Steinbrenner was the model of success, making appearances on several tv shows, including the Late Show with David Letterman.

1997

Steinbrenner entered six horses in the Kentucky Derby, failing to win with Steve's Friend (1977), Eternal Prince (1985), Diligence (1996), Concerto (1997), Blue Burner (2002) and the 2005 favorite, Bellamy Road.

1999

The Yankees were the first team with a $200 million payroll, which provoked anger and envy among other owners. After the 1982 season, Baltimore owner Edward Bennett Williams said Steinbrenner hoarded outfielders "like nuclear weapons."

1999

Steinbrenner never managed a game, as Ted Turner once did when he owned the Atlanta Braves, but he controlled everything else. When he thought the club's parking lot was too crowded, Steinbrenner stood on the pavement -- albeit behind a van, out of sight -- and had a guard personally check every driver's credential.

2000

Steinbrenner, New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani and Yankee manager Joe Torre with the trophy following the Yankees 2000 World Series title.

2004

Steinbrenner once was asked his formula for success. He said: "Work as hard as you ask others to. Strive for what you believe is right, no matter the odds. Learn that mistakes can be the best teacher."

Published Jul 13, 2010

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