Steinbrenner attends dedication of school bearing his name

Longtime New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner has had few public appearances in recent years, but he showed up Sunday for the dedication of the high school bearing his name.

Steinbrenner, his wife, Joan, sons Hal and Hank, and other family members had a front-row seat in the auditorium of George M. Steinbrenner High School.

Though he didn't speak publicly, he smiled through the standing ovations from the crowd and the thanks bestowed by school officials.

The appearance was a rare one for the man who once controlled the Yankees.

After showing up for last year's baseball All-Star Game in New York and at two World Series games where the Yankees defeated the Philadelphia Phillies, his public outings have been limited.

Earlier this year, he was seen at a Yankees spring training game and at a Tampa high school baseball game to watch his grandson play first base.

Although universally known as "The Boss" and recognized as a baseball maverick, Steinbrenner has deep roots in Tampa and is beloved here for his philanthropy, generosity and community spirit.

Steinbrenner, who came to Tampa in the mid-1970s from Ohio, is known to open his wallet to programs big and small, and prefers to remain anonymous or shy away from the limelight for causes he's supported.

"He loves this place," said Tom McEwen, former Tribune sports editor and columnist who has known Steinbrenner for decades. "He jump-started us in all the right directions.

"We wouldn't be the vibrant place we are today and not have the great future we have. He never stops."

Steinbrenner started the Gold Shield Foundation, which helps families of slain local law enforcement officers. He sponsors an annual children's holiday concert at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

He donated thousands of dollars to area schools. Academy of Holy Names was able to build an aquatic center with money he contributed. Gaither High School received $25,000, allowing band students to travel to Washington for a presidential inauguration. And a $250,000 gift to Tampa Catholic High School allowed administrators to install bleachers and lighting at its football stadium.

Hal Steinbrenner, chairman of the board of Yankee Global Enterprises, the parent company of the New York Yankees, told the audience at Sunday's dedication that this was a special day for the family that makes its home in Tampa.

He said his father always had an interest in the nation's young people and the family looked forward to seeing the progress of future graduating classes from the high school.

"Ten, 15, 20 years from now we're looking forward to seeing these graduates and the things they do in the community," he said.

The school presented several gifts to the senior Steinbrenner, including the school's first edition yearbook and a crystal heart inscribed with "heart of a warrior." The school's athletic teams are the Warriors.

Steinbrenner bought the Yankees in 1973. Controversy followed his leadership. He wasn't afraid to fire managers and didn't hesitate to speak his mind, especially when the team wasn't winning.

Still, he always tried to put a winning team together. Since he purchased the team, he won seven championship titles.

Hillsborough County School Superintendent MaryEllen Elia said the idea of naming the new high school after George Steinbrenner emerged quickly from the school board and was immediately and universally embraced by board members and the community.

After one year, students are lining up to be transferred to the school, a measure, she says, of the school's potential success.

"We have students from all over Hillsborough County who want to go to Steinbrenner High School," Elia said.

After the ceremony, Hal Steinbrenner said his father was doing well.

And so was the storied baseball team, providing injuries can be kept at bay. He also said he was looking forward to the next series with the Tampa Bay Rays, which begins Wednesday in New York.