The Defining Moments of George Steinbrenner's Career

Tuesday is the day baseball and its fans would normally celebrate the 2010 MLB All-Star Game and its festivities. Unfortunately, it's a bittersweet experience with the tragic news of George Steinbrenner, who passed away from a heart attack at 80 on Tuesday.

From 1973 to 2007, Steinbrenner managed the New York Yankees to 11 AL pennants, seven of which became championships. His tenure as Yankees owner was always indulged in controversy because of his demanding nature of putting a winner on the field

Here are five of the most memorable moments in Steinbrenner's tenure of ownership, moments that helped him earn the nickname "The Boss."

George Steinbrenner Defining Moments: Ownership Style

When Steinbrenner purchased the New York Yankees in the 1973, he told reporters that he wouldn't be a hands-on owner.

After changing managers 20 times in his first 23 years, changing general managers 11 times in 30 years, and rehiring Billy Martin on five occasions... George Steinbrenner could only laugh at himself for his incorrect assessment.

George Steinbrenner Defining Moments: 1981 World Series Apology

The Bronx Zoo Era was considered one of MLB's most controversial clubhouses, but its antics peaked in 1981 when Steinbrenner found himself at the disapproval of certain New York Yankee players, including getting into a shouting match with Rick Cerone after an ALDS loss in game 4 to Milwaukee.

The Yankees would make the World Series and gain a 2-0 advantage over the Los Angeles Dodgers, but they lost the series after losing four consecutive games. Despite having won two of the last five World Series, Steinbrenner felt that he owed Yankee fans an apology:

"I want to sincerely apologize to the people of New York and to the fans of the New York Yankees everywhere for the performance of the Yankee team in the World Series. I also want to assure you that we will be at work immediately to prepare for 1982."

This apology led to Steinbrenner revamping a World Series-caliber team into a team that wouldn't sniff the playoffs for 14 seasons, arguably the low point in Yankees history.

George Steinbrenner Defining Moments: Suspensions

Steinbrenner found himself suspended on two various occasions. In 1974, he was suspended for nine months after pleading guilty to making illegal contributions to the Richard Nixon campaign.

New York Yankee fans love Steinbrenner today, but there was a time when they probably would have cheered Steinbrenner's demise. In 1990, Steinbrenner received a lifetime banishment by MLB Commissioner Fay Vincent after paying $40,000 to a gambler named Howie Spira in order to discredit outfielder Dave Winfield. Fans were ecstatic about Steinbrenner's banning as they felt he was holding the team back.

The lifetime ban was lifted in 1993, and Steinbrenner resumed duties. During this time, he was able to reevaluate himself and see what he could do differently in his "breathing first, winning second mentality." During Steinbrenner's absence, Gene Michaels developed a World Series championship nucleus that would win World Series in 1996 and 1998-2000.

George Steinbrenner Defining Moments: Celebrity

Steinbrenner loved the spotlight. While known as a dictator, he was also a fun-loving individual. During his 1990 suspension, he hosted Saturday Night Live once in 1990. He also partook in many commercials and was a reoccurring character on Seinfield, arguably the biggest comedy sitcom of the 1990s.

George Steinbrenner Defining Moments: New Ball Park

One of biggest decisions Steinbrenner made before relinquishing everyday operations to his sons was creating a new stadium that would replace the original Yankees Stadium. The New York Yankees moved into their new $1.3 billion ballpark in 2009. Just like "The House that Ruth Built," The House that Jeter hosted the World Series in its opening season, which the Yankees would win 4-2 over the Philadelphia Phillies.

RIP, George Steinbrenner

References:

Bryan Hoch, "Steinbrenner dies from Heart Attack." MLB.com. July 13, 2010. July 13, 2010.

Lisa Swan, "A Sorry State for Yankees." NY Daily News. Oct 28, 1981. July 13, 2010.

Lisa Swan, "Boss Banned for Life." NY Daily News. Jul 30, 1990. July 13, 2010. Bloomberg, "George Steinbrenner, Win-or-Else Boss of Yankees, Dies at 80." Bloomberg News. July 13, 2010. July 13, 2010.