Yankee Owner George Steinbrenner Dies

Love him or hate. Controversial and successful.

George Steinbrenner was one extraordinary man. Steinbrenner passed away this morning due to complications of a heart attack. He was 80 years old.

Since 1974, Steinbrenner had been a focal part of the Yankees franchise. His take no prisoners attitude to winning at all costs, made him and his Bronx Bombers the most successful, most beloved and most vilified franchise in sports. Under Steinbrenner's watch the Yankees won 11 pennants and 7 World Series.

But that doesn't tell the whole story. Whether it be Steinbrenner's legendary fights with Billy Martin, or his investigating Dave Winfield which led to his banishment from baseball in 1990.

In the early years he was known as a control freak. 20 managers in 23 years. Trading young talent for veteran superstars. Steinbrenner was ruthless. When he returned his was more patient, and in 1996 after hiring Joe Torre as manager, watched his Yankees win four World Series titles in five years. Listen to Joe Torre interview.

Just last season, the Yankees won Steinbrenner's seventh World Series title, the last one he would ever see alive.

There will be more posts later tonight with video and radio interviews from the days remembrances of George Steinbrenner. Stay tuned...