Steinbrenner

I don't intend to speak ill of the dead, but it's interesting how radically the views of George Steinbrenner have shifted over the past decade.

Steinbrenner was a very mixed blessing and quite often a curse for Yankee fans, especially during the first two decades of his ownership. And it was his formal removal from the sport and the team that helped set the stage for the revival in the mid-90s.

The papers are filled with considerable nonsense today. Here's a typical quote: "Steinbrenner famously challenged his players." Embarrassed and belittled would be more appropriate words, even in the example the writer gave.

I'm not a hater, but distorting and exaggerating the record do no one any good - not Steinbrenner, certainly, and more importantly not anyone who wishes to emulate his success.