GEORGE Steinbrenner became the owner of the New York Yankees in 1973.
Despite being banned from the MLB in 1990, the well-known businessman was able to remain the owner of the New Yorkbaseball team.
Who was George Steinbrenner?
George Michael Steinbrenner III was born in Bay Village, Ohio, on July 4, 1930.
The businessman became the principal owner and managing partner of the New York Yankees in 1973.
He was married to philanthropist Elizabeth Joan Steinbrenner.
The couple shared four kids, including sons Hal and Hank Steinbrenner and daughters Jessica Steinbrenner and Jennifer Steinbrenner-Swindal.
George died of a heart attack at age 80 in Tampa, Florida, on July 13, 2010.
Why was he banned from MLB?
George received a lifetime ban from the MLB on July 30, 1990, per Yanks Go Yard.
According to the outlet, Commissioner Fay Vincent handed down the ban when it was discovered that George paid a gambler to spy on Dave Winfield and “dig up dirt” on the baseball player.
Although George “was banned from day-to-day operations” the famed businessman “was able to stay on as owner,” per the New York Post.
Per Yanks Go Yard, the lifetime ban was later reduced, and George “was reinstated three years later in 1993.”
As The New York Times reported, the late Yankees owner had previously received a two-year suspension by Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn in 1974 “because of his Federal conviction for illegal contributions to political campaigns.”
George had pleaded guilty “to having made illegal contributions to the 1972 campaigns of former President Richard M. Nixon and several Democratic candidates for Congress,” per the outlet.
“He also pleaded guilty to a scheme through which ship‐company funds, disguised as staff bonuses, were channeled into political campaigns. He was fined $15,000 and the company $20,000,” the publication continues.
How can I watch Bronx Zoo ‘90: Crime, Chaos and Baseball?
Bronx Zoo ’90: Crime, Chaos and Baseball will premiere on Peacock on Thursday, May 16, 2024
The docuseries“is the astonishing true story of the 1990 New York Yankees, chronicling the team at a crossroads in their storied history,” the streaming service’s website states.
“The season went on record as one of the worst and was made even more infamous by the drama that ensued off the field.”
George is a main component of the television program.
“Based on a series of articles from New York Post columnist Joel Sherman, the docuseries covers team owner George Steinbrenner’s removal from baseball for trying to buy information on Dave Winfield from a notorious gambler,” the streaming service’s website continues.
“Adding to the chaos, beloved team captain Don Mattingly was caught in a contentious contract dispute, a top free agent signee went missing, rookie Deion Sanders wavered between two sports, and a controversial outfielder pursued a relationship with a local high school girl.
“Despite it all, the 1990 Yankees laid the groundwork for one of the greatest dynasties in sports history.”