George M. Steinbrenner, the principal owner of the New York Yankees since 1973 who returned the storied franchise to prominence both on and off the field and won seven World Series titles, died Tuesday, reportedly after suffering a massive heart attack. He was 80.
The Steinbrenner family confirmed his death, which occurred in Tampa, Fla., in a statement issued by the Yankees.
"He was an incredible and charitable man," the family's statement read. "First and foremost he was devoted to his entire family -- his beloved wife, Joan; his sisters, Susan Norpell and Judy Kamm, his children, Hank, Jennifer Jessica and Hal; and all of his grandchildren.
"He was a visionary and a giant in the world of sports. He took a great but struggling franchise and turned it into a champion again."
Steinbrenner was the longest tenured owner in Major League Baseball. Through his purchase of the Yankees, Steinbrenner became one of the game's best-known personalities; a demanding type who earned the long-standing nickname "The Boss."
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