ESPN.com is reporting that New York Yankee owner George Steinbrenner has passed away this morning.  According to reports, he suffered a massive heart attack at his Tampa, FL home late Monday night and was taken to the hospital and was in serious condition.  He passed away at 6:30 a.m. , sources close to the family report.

The Steinbrenner family has issued this statement:

“It is with profound sadness that the family of George M. Steinbrenner III announces his passing. He passed away this morning in Tampa, Fla., at age 80,” the family said in a statement.

“He was an incredible and charitable man. First and foremost he was devoted to his entire family — his beloved wife, Joan; his sisters, Susan Norpell and Judy Kamm, his children, Hank, Jennifer Jessica and Hal; and all of his grandchildren.

“He was a visionary and a giant in the world of sports. He took a great but struggling franchise and turned it into a champion again.”

The Steinbrenner family said that funeral arrangements will be private, however details about an additional public service will be announced at a later date.

Steinbrenner celebrated his 80th birthday July 4th. It was widely known that he had various health issues the last couple of years. Although he was the owner of the Yankees, he turned over the day to day operations to his sons, Hal and Hank. Steinbrenner became the owner of the Yankees  in 1973. Under his ownership, the Yankees have won 11 American League pennants and seven World Series titles.

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