There are some things that just can't be argued. No matter who you're a fan of or who you hate, George Steinbrenner's greatness is one of those indisputable subjects. Sure, we in Boston have hated the man for decades on end. He's been the thorn in Boston's side since he bought the Yankees in the early seventies. But love him or hate him, there is no question that he will go down as one of the greatest sports franchise owners in history, if not the greatest.
The Yankees were hardly a hot ticket item when he bought the team. When he bought them, he pledged to fans and staff alike that he would be an "absentee owner," assuring them that he wanted nothing to do with the day-to-day operations of the team...uh, yea, nice try George. George's legacy comes not only from his propensity to spend, spend, and spend more, but from his keen interest in the success of his team. When they weren't winning, he voiced his opinions. When they were winning, he told them to win more. When they won three straight titles in the 90's, George wanted four. What more can you ask for in an owner? He always wanted to be on top, and he was alright with spending outrageous amounts of money to get there.
In the history of professional sports, there is only one other man who could raise a complaint to someone who called Steinbrenner the greatest owner in sports history...Jeremy Jacobs...nah just kidding, Jerry Jones. But for me, Steinbrenner will be remembered as the best the sporting world had to offer. Love him or hate him, he was good for baseball, and he will be missed by the Yankees and Major League Baseball alike.
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