New York -
New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner has died of a reported heart attack. He was 80.
Yankees spokesman Howard Rubenstein confirmed his death.
He had a heart attack, was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, Fla., and died at about 6:30 a.m today, a person close to the owner told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not disclosed those details.
Steinbrenner had been in fragile health for several years. He celebrated his 80th birthday on July 4.
Flags were immediately lowered to half-mast at Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees' spring training complex. The Yankees says many employees there were in tears.
The news comes as Major League Baseball is preparing to hold its all-star game in Anaheim, Calif.
The Yankees are also mourning the death of longtime stadium announcer Bob Sheppard. He died Sunday at the age of 99.
The Yankees earned 11 pennants and seven World Series titles under Steinbrenner, who bought the club in 1973.
Steinbrenner's sons Hal and Hank assumed day-to-day control of the team in 2007.
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
