R.I.P. George Steinbrenner: Initial Reactions

(July 13) -- The death of legendary New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner after a heart attack is being felt far and wide across the Web today, with Yankees fans, baseball lovers and even those who don't really follow the game expressing their heartfelt condolences.

Throughout his life, "The Boss" was alternatively praised and criticized for his intense micromanagement of the franchise he loved, but few could argue with his impressive track record: building the Yankees up into baseball's most consistently formidable team, making them World Series champions seven times over.

Of course, the Yankees' dominance of the playing field caused envy and ire among other baseball fans, but that has largely been put aside today, replaced with fond remembrances of Steinbrenner's life, personality and impact on pop culture (who could forget his "cameos" on "Seinfeld," voiced by series creator Larry David? Except in one notable occasion.)

Surge Desk gathers the initial reactions to the sad news:

Blogosphere:

He was the Queen Bee of corporate welfare, an illegal campaign contributor to Richard Nixon, and certainly a well-deserving member of Dickipedia, but one thing I'll always like more about The Boss than his detractors is that he understood the job of a baseball owner was to win baseball games by any means necessary, even if that meant -- horrors! -- giving formerly indentured employees gobsmacking amounts of money. That, and his '70s commercials were pretty awesome. -- Matt Welch, Reason

Say what you will about the guy (and people had lots to say about him during his 37-year reign), but the Yankees owner knew how to win. He knew how to get the right players, put the right people in place and win the World Series, much to the chagrin of every other team out there. -- Ernie Smith, ShortFormBlog

Say what you will about Steinbrenner, as a Yankee fan, you knew the guy was going to spend his money to put a contender on the field, which some owners with more loot simply choose not to do. He wasn't as wealthy as many owners when he bought the team (which was struggling under CBS ownership) back in the early 1970s, but he turned the team around and made it into a lucrative money-making venture, and then plowed a good deal of the revenue back into the players he put on the field. -- Eric Martin, Obsidian Wings

It's a sad day for the Yankees and a sad day for baseball. George died in the best possible way: He went out a reigning champion, after collecting 11 pennants, seven World Series.-- Sean Paul Kelly, The Agonist

Twitter:

RIP. Yankees Owner George Steinbrenner has passed away. One of the greats who changed game of BB forever. http://bit.ly/aYnJpyless than a minute ago via bitlyJoe Frohlinger
joefrohlinger

A career filled w/ results leads to an amazing legacy: http://ow.ly/2aLXQ RIP George #Steinbrenner via @nytimesless than a minute ago via HootSuiteKevin Dugan
prblog

Sympathy to all NY Yankee fans this am on the loss of George Steinbrenner. Epic character. He cared so much for the fans.less than a minute ago via EchofonDixie Carter
TNADixie

RIP, George Steinbrenner. Bob Sheppard already is there to announce your arrival.less than a minute ago via UberTwitterAdam Schefter
Adam_Schefter

A sad year for sports, first John Wooden, now George Steinbrenner. LeBron James, you're nothing.less than a minute ago via HootSuiteTraci
crazyloud1

Breaking News George Steinbrenner has just ordered Jesus to shave his beard and cut his hair. #RIPBossless than a minute ago via UberTwitterGeorge Brew
WhatsBrewinShow

Wow, Steinbrenner doesn't wait long. Already traded Lou Gehrig to Hell for Mickey Mantle & a demon to be named later.less than a minute ago via webJesus Christ
Jesus_M_Christ