No disrespect for the recently departed, BUT George Steinbrenner was not the great owner. After purchasing the team in 1973 he spent lots of money on the newly established Free Agency market and won or as some might say bought championships. In the 1980's the NY Yankees were not a threat in the American League East. George Steinbrenner often grew impatient and showed his lack of knowledge for baseball by giving up promising prospects for the Jesse Barfields and Ken Phelps's of the world. He insisted on being the BIG NAME and often fought with his managers and star players.
Any "intelligent" Yankee fan knows that July 30, 1990, the day George Steinbrenner was suspended from day to day baseball operations, was a turning point in franchise history.
This led to Gene Michaels and Buck Showalter teaming up to build a minor league system that developed and refused to trade the talents of Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada and Bernie Williams.
When George Steinbrenner was reinstated in 1993 Gene Michaels was able to keep this talented core of players from being traded for the quick fixes of yesteryear. And after a strike shortened season, where the Yankees were on pace to make the Post Season for the first time since 1981, they reached that goal in 1995.
A Dynasty was born.. Too much credit and thanks were given to Mr. Steinbrenner though..Not enough given to Gene Michaels and Buck Showalter, the true architects of the latest Yankee Dynasty.
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