Legendary Yankee owner, entrepreneur and President Nixon’s good friend George Steinbrenner died this morning. He was 80.
In 1973, Steinbrenner purchased the Bronx Bombers and over the next thirty-six years, brought them to the pinnacle of America’s pastime, racking up eleven American League pennants and seven World Series titles.
Appreciative of RN’s meticulous attention to the sport, Steinbrenner first invited the President and son-in-law David Eisenhower to the owner’s box on July 4, 1983.
The occasion was Steinbrenner’s 53rd birthday and pitcher Dave Righetti gave his boss the ultimate gift, striking out nine Red Sox batters for a complete game no-hitter. When Righetti struck out first baseman Wade Boggs at the top of the ninth, the President rose to his feet and pounded his hands together in excitement.
Nixon Foundation President Ron Walker served with Steinbrenner on the board of the NCAA Foundation, enjoying time together at Final Four basketball tournaments and other sporting events. Steinbrenner said Walker should one day head the organization, believing that it would benefit from his leadership.
“George was a good friend and an exceptional human being.” Walker said. “We will miss him dearly.”?
Photo: Steinbrenner with former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.