Haute 100 Update New York: George Steinbrenner

Our Haute 100 list details the accomplishments of the most influential people in each of our markets—Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. These people continue to make moves, so rather than waiting for the next Haute 100 issue to come out, we thought we’d provide you with regular updates on those Haute 100 members who are making headlines. On our Haute 100 New York list is “The Boss,” George Steinbrenner, the New York Yankees longest principal owner in the club’s history.

Category: Billionaires

Company: New York Yankees

Industry: Sports

What Made Him Haute: In 1973 George Steinbrenner bought the Yankees for $10 million. He was the principal owner from 1973 until 2006 when he handed the ownership over to his two sons. He watched his team bring home 11 pennants and seven World Series. The spring training facility in Tampa, Fla., was named Steinbrenner Field in 2008 in his honor.

What Makes Him Haute Now: Unfortunately, sad news. This morning George Steinbrenner’s family announced that he passed away after a heart attack in Tampa where he lived. Steinbrenner had just turned 80.

In a press release sent out in his birthday on July 4, Steinbrenner said, “I want to thank everyone who has sent their good wishes. I am very fortunate to have the love and support of a great family and many, many friends. The Yankees and their fans are a large part of what keeps me going. It means a lot. And I remind everyone that the Fourth of July is also the birthday of our country. We are all lucky to be Americans.” Steinbrenner was one of the baseball’s greatest owners, known to be very hands on with the team in every aspect, including the hiring, firing, managing and even making rules about facial hair and hygiene. He was a New York great and will be deeply missed by the players and fans of New York.