A Hall of Fame citizen

Tampa residents were ahead of the rest of the nation in recognizing that George Steinbrenner was a far different character than the bullying boss typically depicted by the national media.

Gruff, outspoken, quick to spend money, fire managers and send underperforming players packing, the New York Yankees owner did indeed demand results.

And he got them, taking over the Yankees in 1973 and restoring to greatness the fabled franchise that had fallen on hard times.

His achievements - seven World Series titles, 11 pennants - are more than worthy of Hall-of-Fame recognition.

But, more importantly, Steinbrenner, who died yesterday at age 80, was a Hall of Fame citizen, as local residents learned when he moved to Tampa in the early 1970s.

Steinbrenner may have been the owner fans loved to hate through much of the nation, but the people of Tampa Bay were able to see the real Steinbrenner - a devoted family man with a huge heart. He loved his adopted hometown, where he moved the Yankees' spring training facility in 1996.

We cannot think of another individual who did so much to help so many people in so many ways.

He spent millions aiding numerous worthy causes. The Boys and Girls Club, St. Joseph Hospital, the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, the Hillsborough County school system and the University of South Florida are just a few of his beneficiaries. There are public and private schools, sport leagues and youth groups throughout the region where Steinbrenner's unreported support will never be forgotten.

And Steinbrenner did far more than simply write checks. On the field he was obsessed with winning, but off the field he was as compassionate an individual as we have encountered. Whenever he saw people in need, he wanted to help.

After reading about the deaths of a Tampa police officer and two firefighters, Steinbrenner started the Gold Shield Foundation to provide education scholarships to the survivors of public safety officers killed in the line of duty.

He drove a truck full of supplies to South Florida after Hurricane Andrew and handed out water and other necessities to those left homeless.

Ever the patriot - he was born on the Fourth of July - he even rescued a neighborhood Veterans Day parade that was struggling for support.

Children were a special concern. There are countless stories of Steinbrenner encountering a kid with a hearing disorder, misshapen teeth or some other malady and then arranging for their care. He sponsored Christmas concerts each year at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and Ruth Eckerd Hall for underprivileged children. He relished watching the boisterous children become enchanted by the orchestra music.

And while he preferred to stay in the background in civic matters, he would take charge when necessary.

When it looked as if the area would lose the financially troubled Florida State Fair, Steinbrenner agreed to serve as chairman of the Florida State Fair Authority.

His attention to detail and demand for excellence revitalized its attendance and its finances. He could be observed walking the fairgrounds, making sure any litter was promptly picked up and that visitors were treated courteously.

No doubt Steinbrenner could be a tough and impulsive boss. Those who did business with him did not always enjoy the experience. He made a few rash decisions during his career but accepted the consequences and made amends.

But it is telling that a man known for his tart retorts and public feuds made few lasting enemies.

Almost everyone came to see on the genuinely important things in life - family, friends and community - Steinbrenner's heart was always in the right place.

In recent years, as the ailing Steinbrenner retreated from public life and the national press began to look beyond his colorful remarks to his actions, more Americans came to appreciate the generous man residents of the bay area had known all along.

Even Red Sox fans might now begrudgingly concede that when it comes to giving fans their money's worth, Steinbrenner set the gold standard for owners.

We also know he set a gold standard for citizenship

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family. This community will long remember him for his generosity, service and his example.