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It'll Be Steinbrenner Field

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By BAIRD HELGESON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 15, 2008

TAMPA - Say goodbye to Legends Field.

The New York Yankees announced Thursday that the team will rename its spring-training facility along Dale Mabry Highway after the team's owner, George M. Steinbrenner.

Steinbrenner's sons, Hank and Hal, released a joint statement saying they were proud of the name change.

"We have been residents of Tampa for over 30 years, and we feel this is a terrific way to honor our father's longstanding philanthropic commitment to Tampa," the statement said. "The outpouring of community support for this name change has been wonderful to watch, and we're very grateful for the acknowledgement of his achievements and contributions it represents."

The team's announcement follows votes by the Tampa City Council and the Hillsborough County Commission to allow the name change. The team hopes to unveil the renamed field by the end of spring, team spokesman Jason Zillo said.

Steinbrenner, a once-volatile and confrontational owner, has made few public appearances recently.

The statement quoted Steinbrenner, 77, as saying: "I am humbled and flattered to have this outstanding and totally unexpected honor conferred on me."

The 10,000-seat stadium, which opened in 1996, is also home to the Tampa Yankees, a minor-league affiliate of the pro club.

The name Legends Field commemorated the storied baseball players who have worn the Yankees pinstripes over the years, Zillo said.

Reporter Baird Helgeson can be reached at bhelgeson@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7668.

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