34 posts from November 2008

Jan. 3, 1973—Heads group that purchases Yankees from CBS Inc.

Sept. 30, 1973—Manager Ralph Houk resigns, starting the first of 20 manager changes Steinbrenner would make through 1995.

Aug. 30, 1974—Fined $15,000 by U.S. District Court in Cleveland following guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to make illegal campaign contributions. Is suspended on Nov. 27 by baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn for two years because of guilty plea.

Dec. 31, 1974—Yankees sign free agent Catfish Hunter to five-year, $3.75 million contract.

Aug. 1, 1975—Billy Martin hired as Yankees manager for the first of what would turn out to be five stints as manager running through 1988.

March 1, 1976—Steinbrenner suspension lifted after 15 months because of good behavior.

Oct. 14, 1976—Yankees win their first pennant since 1964.

Nov. 29, 1976—Yankees sign free agent Reggie Jackson to five-year, $3 million contract.

Oct. 18, 1977—Yankees win their first World Series since 1962.

Nov. 11, 1979—Steinbrenner fined $5,000 by Kuhn for tampering with Brian Downing of the California Angels.

June 26, 1980—Reprimanded by Kuhn for tampering with free-agent amateur player Billy Cannon Jr.

Dec. 15, 1980—Yankees sign free agent Dave Winfield to a 10-year contract that would turn out to be worth just over $17 million. Frustrated by Winfield’s performance, Steinbrenner would call him “Mr. May” in September 1985.

April 21, 1981—Orders 50,000 copies of the team yearbook taken off Yankee Stadium concession stands when he dislikes his picture in it.

Oct. 25, 1981—Breaks hand in Los Angeles after the Yankees lose fifth game of the World Series to the Dodgers; says he was attacked by two fans in a hotel elevator.

Oct. 28, 1981—Issues apology to Yankees fans after the Dodgers beat New York to win the World Series in six games.

July 3, 1983—Fined $5,000 by Kuhn for remarks about Chicago White Sox co-owner Jerry Reinsdorf.

April 19, 1983—Fined $50,000 by Kuhn for remarks during March 25 exhibition game questioning the integrity of National League umpires in general and Lee Weyer specifically.

May 31, 1983—Suspended for one week (June 3 to 9) by American League president Lee MacPhail for statements made May 27 questioning the integrity of umpires Darryl Cousins and John Shulock.

Dec. 23, 1983—Yankees fined $250,000 by Kuhn and ordered to pay $50,000 in legal fees because of Steinbrenner’s actions and statements regarding the “Pine Tar” game.

July 5, 1990—Yankees fined $25,000 by commissioner Fay Vincent and order to pay $200,000 to the California Angels for tampering with the May 11 trade of outfielder Dave Winfield to California.

July 30, 1990—Vincent announces that Steinbrenner must resign as general partner by Aug. 20 for dealings with self-described gambler Howard Spira.

July 24, 1992—Following Steinbrenner’s request for reinstatement, Vincent said Steinbrenner can return to active control of the Yankees, effective March 1, 1993.

Oct. 26, 1996—Yankees win their first World Series since 1978. They also would win the Series in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

Jan. 5, 1999—Ends 14-year feud with Yogi Berra that began when 16 games into the 1985 season when he had an aide inform the Hall of Famer of his firing as manager.

March 19, 2002—Yankees’ YES Network launches.

Dec. 27, 2003—Steinbrenner faints at memorial service for football great Otto Graham in Sarasota, Fla., and is hospitalized until the following day. He sharply reduces his public comments afterward.

Aug. 16, 2006—Steinbrenner helps break ground for the new Yankee Stadium on the 58th anniversary of Babe Ruth’s death.

Oct. 29, 2006—Steinbrenner faints while watching a granddaughter perform in a play and is hospitalized in Chapel Hill, N.C., until Oct. 30. He has difficulty walking when seen in public after that.

Nov. 20, 2008—Major League Baseball owners unanimously approve Hal Steinbrenner, the owner’s youngest son, to take over from his father as the Yankees’ controlling owner.