In New City, George Steinbrenner's Legacy the Talk of the Town

Shortly after the news broke Tuesday morning that legendary Yankees owner and baseball titan George M. Steinbrenner had died, "The Boss" became the talk of baseball fans in downtown New City.

Steinbrenner died of a heart attack at age 80 in Florida. With a group of investors, he purchased the New York Yankees for an estimated $8.7 million 1973 and turned the franchise into baseball's most valuable enterprise - now worth  $1.5 to $2 billion dollars.

Beyond the financial aspects, Steinbrenner's tenure saw the Bombers take seven World Series Championships, 11 Pennants and develop a reputation that exceeds all others in the world of sports.

Baseball fans can agree that Steinbrenner molded baseball into the modern game we know today, but his style and intense personal involvement with the team didn't always win him fans. The Boss also had 22 managers in his first 23 years, which is a major league record.

Steinbrenner's imprint on the team continues through his sons, Hank, 53, and Hal, 41, at the helm.

In downtown New City, Matt DeBlasio, 13, of New City had no doubt about Steinbrenner's impact on baseball.

"He is the greatest person in baseball ownership history with seven championships," said DeBlasio. "It's not heard of."

Danny Einhorn, 13, of New City called Steinbrenner a "good guy who created the Yankees that we see today."

At Goldberg's Famous Bagels on Main Street, where the Yankees are often a popular topic of discussion, there was no loss of opinions about Steinbrenner.

"He will be remembered for building a dynasty and getting the job done," said Paul Romero of New City. "George was George."                                           

Tito Cerratti of Tomkins Cove applauds Steinbrenner for taking a struggling franchise and making it a winner year-after-year - becoming the a king of New York along the way.

"Baseball and the sports world will miss his presence and passion for the game," said Cerratti.

Kenny Broadhurst, 39, of Suffern said Steinbrenner was the best owner in all off sports because he put the team first and he has set the foundation for generations to come.

For Yankees fan Pete Ahle, 45, of New CIty, Tuesday was a sad time.

"This is a sad day for Yankees Universe and he will be greatly missed," Ahle said.

Major League Baseball paid tribute Tuesday night to Steinbrenner with a moment of silence before the start of the 2010 All Star Game.