Why George Steinbrenner was Good for Baseball

Former New York Yankees owner, George Steinbrenner died at the age of 80 on Tuesday. He was a man that lived in the New York and national spotlight for over 30 years. During his tenure as Yankees' owner he had run ins with his players, managers, and even Major League Baseball. He became, arguably, the most famous owner in the world of sports.

Steinbrenner was known as The Boss in baseball circles. He had a quick trigger finger when he was angry, 20 times he changed managers in his first 23 years with the team. He would sometimes insult his players, calling Dave Winfield Mr. May because of his lack of postseason production, a play on Reggie Jackson's moniker Mr. October. Steinbrenner was even suspended from baseball for three years by Commissioner Fay Vincent, for dealings with a known gambler.

Even with all that said Steinbrenner was good for baseball. He played the role of the villain, something all good drama needs. He was the man that bought championships. He was the reason that small market teams such as the Kansas City Royals couldn't compete, though I believe that is due more to their own shoddy ownership, but that's another story. He was all that was wrong with the game, at least in the eyes of most non-Yankees fans.

Steinbrenner often tried to help players, though most times it blew up in his face. He gave several chances to players such as Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry, when others saw them a lost causes. He donated much to charity, several times making donations during the Jimmy Fund telethon held by the rival Boston Red Sox.

Whatever your thoughts on the man, there is no doubt he can't be replaced. Many other owners have tried, but few have captured our attention as much he did. He brought the Yankees back into the spotlight, and that is good for baseball. As much as some may complain that the Yankees win all the time, sports needs teams that dominate so people have something to root against as well. Being the most hated team in baseball isn't a bad thing and I believe something that The Boss himself took pride in. You may not believe it but baseball will miss George Steinbrenner, I know I will.

Sources:
Yankees Steinbrenner Dies at 80, ESPN.com