Hank Steinbrenner, New York Yankees Co-Owner Dies

Hank Steinbrenner, general partner and co-chairperson of the New York Yankees, died on Tuesday (April 14) at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Steinbrenner had been in a lengthy battle with an unidentified illness and was surrounded by his family at the time of his death.

Hank was the eldest son of the late Yankees owner and chairman George Steinbrenner, who died in 2010.

"Hank was a genuine and gentle spirit who treasured the deep relationships he formed with those closest to him," the Steinbrenner family said in a statement. "He was introduced to the Yankees organization at a very young age, and his love for sports and competition continued to burn brightly throughout his life. Hank could be direct and outspoken, but in the very same conversation, show great tenderness and light-heartedness."

Steinbrenner took over ownership of the Yankees with his brother, Hal, after their father passed away. As George's health declined, Hank was very active and vocal about continuing his father's legacy, while trying to emulate his father's bombastic style.

In the past few years, Hank became less involved with the day-to-day operations of the team, leaving them up to Hal and his two sisters, Jennifer Steinbrenner Swindal and Jessica Steinbrenner, who are general partners and vice-chairpersons of the Yankees.

While he shifted his focus away from the Yankees, Hank remained involved with the family's horse business, which was based in Ocala, Florida.

"More than anything, he set an example for all of us in how comfortably he lived, enjoying his personal passions and pursuits. We are profoundly saddened to have lost him and will carry his memory with us always," the family's statement said.

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