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Sad to hear the news about George Steinbrenner's passing, just 2 days after the sport of baseball lost another legend, announcer Bob Sheppard.

Steinbrenner, 80, died Tuesday morning of a heart attack. He made a huge impact on the game since he entered it in 1972, building the Yankees into champions.

"Larger than life" is an understatement. His high-profile conflicts and blunt mannerisms around the Yankees front office are legendary, but colleagues are remembering him as a generous, caring, passionate family man who built friendships on loyalty and trust.

Say what you will about the guy, but he put his heart and soul into the Yankees and put them in a position to achieve excellence. You gotta love a fierce competitor, because that's what America is all about. If you've ever been on a team, you know the value of having a leader who gives you the tools and opportunities to succeed.

Steinbrenner may well be remembered for the way he empowered star players and used his financial resources to build a baseball club worthy of belonging in the greatest city in America. His name is as synonymous with that franchise as any of the legendary athletes who went to bat for the Yankees.

• George Steinbrenner 1930-2010 (lesterslegends.com)
• AP source: Yankees' George Steinbrenner dies at 80 (timesunion.com)
• RIP George Steinbrenner (sportsfrog.com)
• The Passing of New York Yankee Legend George Steinbrenner (bleacherreport.com)
• Steinbrenner Dead (minorleagueball.com)