George Steinbrenner does not address the media much nowadays, but he’s still rarely speechless.
That is until yesterday, when the Yankees owner received yet another World Series ring before watching the defending champs win their home opener, 7-5, over the Angels.
Captain Derek Jeter and manager Joe Girardi presented the ring in Steinbrenner’s suite shortly before the on-field ceremony. After a few seconds, the family patriarch slid off his 2000 championship ring to make room for his latest one.
“That’s the thing that I take the most out of from Opening Day, is going up there and getting the opportunity to present him with his ring,” Jeter said. “None of us would be here, this stadium wouldn’t be here without the Boss,” Jeter said.
It was the Bombers’ seventh championship ring since Steinbrenner took over in 1973. It was the first since 2000 and first since the Steinbrenner family has begun taking a more active role in the team.
“He put the ring on and he was very emotional.” his son Hal Steinbrenner said. “I’m sure he has a lot of satisfaction in seeing his [family] involved and be successful.”
So were the 49,293 in attendance, who made up the largest regular season crowd at new Yankee Stadium. The rings are proof —even though the Boss has taken a back seat, his team still refuses to.
