New York Yankees co-owner Hank Steinbrenner died early Tuesday, April 14, at his Clearwater, Florida home after a battle with a “long-standing health issue,” the team said. He was 63 years old. 

Hank Steinbrenner was the oldest son of former Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and was in his 13th season as a general partner with the club and 11th as co-chairperson with younger brother Hal. The Yankees said in a statement that Hank Steinbrenner was responsible for overseeing all areas of the team’s business and baseball operations, including contract negotiations and the team’s overall strategy.

“Hank was a genuine and gentle spirit who treasured the deep relationships he formed with those closest to him,” the organization said. “He was introduced to the Yankees organization at a very young age, and his love for sports and competition continued to burn brightly throughout his life.

“Hank could be direct and outspoken, but in the very same conversation showed great tenderness and light-heartedness. More than anything, he set an example for all of us in how comfortably he lived enjoying his personal passions and pursuits. We are profoundly saddened to have lost him and will carry his memory with us always.”

Along with co-running the team, Hank Steinbrenner also founded and became heavily involved with his non-profit youth baseball organization, Hank’s Yanks, in 2009. The program is an 18-and-under summer league team that participates in Baseball Heaven’s tournament held in Yaphank, New York. It gives many kids each year an opportunity to play against top-tier talent and has produced several Major League Baseball players over the years.

Henry George “Hank” Steinbrenner III was born on April 2, 1957, in Culver, Indiana. He grew up around baseball and was 15 years old when his father first bought the Yankees from CBS in 1973. He began working for the organization in the 1980s but stepped away in 1990 following his father’s suspension from baseball.

Hank Steinbrenner also had a passion for horses and ran the family-owned horse stable, Kinsman Stable, along with his father George and his sister Jessica. He held other positions throughout his career, including director of Bay Farms Corporation in 1985, chairman of Minch Transit Company in 1987 and vice president of the Mid-Florida Hotels Corporation in 1990.

In 2007, due to his father’s failing health, Hank Steinbrenner took over control of the Yankees for a short time until his brother Hal occupied the position in 2008. From there, Hal Steinbrenner performed the day-to-day operations while Hank Steinbrenner took a step back, but he stayed involved and took part in all major decisions regarding the team.

Hank Steinbrenner is survived by daughters Jacqueline and Julia and sons George Michael IV and John.

Photo Courtesy of Patrick McCarthy