Yankee Boss George Steinbrenner Dies at His Tampa Home

George Steinbrenner, a "Yankee" who Floridians actually liked, passed away this morning at his Tampa home.

Felled by a massive heart attack, the 80-year-old baseball owner, businessman and philanthropist left a large legacy.

Like Henry Flagler, another Ohio-based captain of industry, Steinbrenner left Cleveland for Florida to pursue business opportunities in sunnier climes.

Thirty-five years later, Steinbrenner had parlayed the family's shipbuilding business and helped build his adopted hometown of Tampa.

Baseball was key, of course. While guiding -- some might say micromanaging -- his New York Yankees from afar, "The Boss" spread the wealth. Steinbrenner Field (formerly Legends Field), the spring training home of the Yankees, routinely sells out its games.

During his reign, the Yankees won 11 American League pennants and seven world championships.

The hyper-competitive and hard-driving Steinbrenner was ecumenical, too. Even the Tampa Bay Rays -- the Yankees' rivals in the American League's Eastern Division -- got their start with help from the Yankee owner. And the sportsman who loved horses also ensured that Tampa Bay Downs would keep running.

Steinbrenner contributed mightily to a variety of philanthropic causes in the Tampa Bay area.

Among the recipients of his largesse: the Florida State Fair, the Port of Tampa, Boys and Girls Clubs, the Florida Orchestra and the pediatric emergency room at St. Joseph's Hospital.

"George redefined the description of a chief executive," Gov. Charlie Crist said. "He loved his family, his team, New York City and his home in Tampa."

Crist said, I join with fellow Floridians in offering condolences to Georges wife, Joan, sons Hal and Hank, and daughters Jennifer and Jessica, all of whom reside in Tampa.

We'll miss ya, George.