Glazers: Steinbrenner 'one of the most colorful executives in sports'

Reaction is pouring in from the Tampa Bay area and elsewhere on the death of New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner:

- Don Zimmer, who lives in Pinellas County, was a Yankees coach in 1983 and again from 1996 to 2003. "Baseball will miss him. He did a lot of great things - and some not so great - but it's a sad day for baseball, no doubt about it. He was a winner, and he made the Yankees a winner. Any Yankee fan had to love George Steinbrenner because he put the best team on the field."

- Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio:"Our community has lost a grand and generous person who made a difference in ways large and small.'' "With a larger-than-life personality, he leaves a lasting legacy in sports, business, and philanthropy. Many times he worked behind the scenes to help individuals and institutions - all to make Tampa a better place to live. He was a true community leader."

USF baseball coach Lelo Prado: "He did so much for Tampa. There is a lot of stuff that people don't even know about. Every time we needed something when I first started out in coaching at the University of Tampa, he came through for us. When we won our first national championship, we needed someone to help pay for our rings. Mr. Steinbrenner was there for us.''

- Hillsborough County School Board Chairwoman Susan Valdes, who spoke at the dedication ceremony for Steinbrenner High School in Lutz."He is a high-profile person for lots of reasons, but people often don't know about all the wonderful things he did out of the spotlight. He never sought recognition for his contributions, but they were of great magnitude."

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist"He had that image of a tough boss but there was a different side to him. He had a big heart a caring heart, a generous soul."

Joel Kaplan, a food service employee at George M. Steinbrenner Field: "We found out individually that we had lost the boss. It's not every day a man of greatness walks the earth. This is pretty close to greatness as you will ever find. I was privileged to know him personally. It's been a great loss here today."

The Glazer family, owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: "The sports world and Tampa community have lost a legend and a friend. George was one of the most consequential and colorful executives in sports history. He helped restore his proud franchise to its unique place in sports and society. However, his greatest contributions weren't those that graced the sports page. He was a caring, gentle giant in our community. George will be sorely missed."

John Crumbley, head coach at Steinbrenner High School: "I'd met him a few times when I coached at Jesuit and most recently when the school was dedicated. I consider it an honor to be the inaugural coach at the high school that bears his name, and I take pride in trying to instill and uphold the types of values and performances that Mr. Steinbrenner always stood for."

Bradley Baumgardner, president of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay"It is immense the impact he has had on Boys and Girls Clubs. (There are) a lot of the smaller things people don't know about besides the big capital expenditures. People don't realize the overall heartfelt support he has given to us so we can expand and help more kids."

Margo Flynn, spokeswoman with Tampa Bay Downs: "Mr. Steinbrenner has been a big supporter of the track and past owner during the 80's. He would attend the races less in recent years, but he did attend last season. He had horses here and the stable was very well represented."