New York Yankees players who were in California for Major League Baseball's All-Star game on Tuesday took time to remember team owner George Steinbrenner, who died earlier in the day in Florida at the age of 80. They remembered Steinbrenner as a demanding boss who supported his players.
For New York Yankees players and staff members, Steinbrenner was known as "The Boss."
Pitcher Andy Pettitte said Steinbrenner was tough, but he took care of his team. "He expected a lot; he demanded a lot. He raised, I believe, the level of not only the Yankees organization and what they want to do as far as winning and winning championships, but [also] I feel like he's raised the bar around baseball," he said.
Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez said Steinbrenner had a passion for the game and was determined to win. "And for many, many years, he spent the most money to try to bring the best players in the world to play for his organization," he said.
The investment paid off. Under Steinbrenner's ownership, the Yankees won seven World Series championships, including the 2009 title against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Yankees Manager Joe Girardi said that winning the World Series meant a lot to Steinbrenner. "But the next day, he was back at work. He was like, 'Okay, how are we going to win next year?,'" he said.
Steinbrenner also was known for his temper. But team captain Derek Jeter said he was a father figure for Yankees past and present. "I think most people know him as being this vocal owner. But if you really got an opportunity to get to know him, you realized the great things he did -- not only in the community, but [also] with the past players and former players," he said.
Jeter said that Steinbrenner was a friend as well as "The Boss."
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