The votes are in and The Boss has been denied again. To the voters on the Today’s Games Era Committee, you dropped the ball!
Congrats go to Harold Baines and Lee Smith, who will be admitted to Cooperstown in July of 2019. Not joining them will be legendary NY Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, who did not receive at least 12 votes from the 16-person committee. Forget the 11 pennants and 7 world championships, or his contributions to the Silver Shield Foundation. If they needed a legit reason, then let it be known that Mr. Steinbrenner was an owner for the fans.
He was probably the only proprietor to consistently put his profits back into the team. From Catfish to Gullet to Reggie to Goose to Winfield, all the way to Irabu, Matsui, Giambi and CC, Steinbrenner took advantage of the free agent market when other owners cried foul, as they deposited their fans money into their own bank accounts.
Steinbrenner would keep the baseball talk alive during the off-season by providing hope with his player signings. It was his way to not only improving the team but giving back to the fans that supported his ballclub.
One other reason why Steinbrenner should have a plaque was that during the era of the 70’s, when the Bronx was burning, he could have easily bolted over the bridge to New Jersey. Like a true Captain on a sinking ship, Steinbrenner stayed put. He knew in his heart that you can move the Yankees where it would be greener on the other side, but the spirits of Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, and Mantle would remain in the South Bronx.
For anyone keeping score, mark a Big E to the Today’s Game Era Committee, you guys made a huge error.