Yankees Owner George Steinbrenner Dies At Age 80

Tampa's Bay News 9 reported shortly after 9 a.m. that Tampa Fire Rescue responded to a call at Steinbrenner's house overnight, and that someone was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital.

Steinbrenner, who just turned 80 on July 4, was that patient. His death was confirmed a short time later.

“He was a visionary and a giant in the world of sports. He took a great, but struggling franchise, and turned it into a champion again," said the team in a statement.

Flags have been lowered to half-staff at New York's City Hall and Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees spring training facility.

Steinbrenner has been the owner of the New York Yankees since 1973 – making him the longest-tenured owner in Major League Baseball. During that time, the Yankees won 11 pennants and seven World Series titles.