George Steinbrenner honored his latest champions by saying, “They had the biggest heart of any team I have been associated with.”
Steinbrenner accepted the fifth World Series trophy of his 26-year reign last night following the Yankees’ 4-1 triumph over the Braves in Game 4 that clinched a sweep. It was the third title in four years for the Yankees.
“That is a pretty damn good start,” Steinbrenner said when asked if this recent group was a dynasty. “I think when you consider that you have to win three rounds of playoffs now and not just one or two, that makes it five times harder to get to and win the World Series.”
Steinbrenner was dressed in his familiar white turtleneck over a light blue blazer. He talked in a corner of the Yankee locker room near the bathrooms, and pretty much stayed out of the Champagne bath. That was until Derek Jeter snuck up on the Boss and doused him.
Steinbrenner laughed the laugh of an owner who has presided over another glorious period in Yankee history. He again called Paul O’Neill a “warrior,” this time for playing less than 24 hours after his father’s death. He praised the GM, Brian Cashman, whom he so often is lambasting behind the scenes. And he once again called Joe Torre “the perfect manager.”
“This is a terrific group and I am very proud,” Steinbrenner said.