Who Is Our Daddy?
Who Is Our Daddy? - George Steinbrenner, that's who. Thank
goodness the Yankees have him. Big Daddy, George Steinbrenner,
is a Yankee fan's delight. As a Yankee fan I love that so many
other fans hate what George has done and continues to do. He
gets the players that he needs. He pushes forward to get another
championship for his Yankees. I can visualize George sitting in
his office making calls to see if the superstar that he so
highly touts is close to signing a Yankee contract. When the
Yankees have been in need of a pitcher they get Roger Clemens,
or Mike Mussina, or Catfish Hunter, or Randy Johnson. Some of
the top pitchers in the game. If it's a slugger they need George
brings the best to New York. Reggie Jackson, Dave Winfield, Gary
Sheffield, or Alex Rodriguez will don the Yankee pinstripes.
Having the best for the Yankees and their fans makes all the
difference. We know as fans that our team is doing whatever it
can to bring in a championship. And when all is said and done -
what more can we ask for? George is relentless. He wants another
World Series ring for the Bronx Bombers. Six is not enough for
him. Arriving at the playoffs 14 times is not the name of this
game. Winning the World Series is the only game in town. I have
to admire that kind of pursuit. I have always felt funny when I
see a player or an owner in a TV interview rejoice when his team
comes in second. Something feels off. Second place is not a
prize worth having But not with George. I love his spirit. I
love his attitude about winning. I love winning it all in the
fall. Has there been another owner in any sport, in the last 25
years that has operated with the same intensity that George has
had? In any sport? I think not. Say what you will about the big
guy. He is money hungry, he has an ego problem, he stops at
nothing, he plays unfair. I do not think he cares. what others
are saying He has a cause and a mission. Bring championships to
New York.
So I salute you George Steinbrenner, principal owner of my New
York Yankees. Thanks for taking the team on your back and going
for it all the time. While I may not agree with all your tactics
I am fascinated with your ongoing will to win. Imagine what it
must have been like playing dominoes, or marbles or any other
game with George when he was a kid. Do you think he had to win?
If Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, or Yogi
Berra were playing on another team other than the Yankees and
became available through free agency, do you think George would
try and get him? What do you think?