CBS Ownership of the Yankees........

[nicky_d]

In August of 1964, CBS purchased an 80% interest in the Yankees for 11.2 million dollars, and eventually bought the remaining 20%.

Whenever the typical "Yankee Hater" talks about "buying championships," they seem to forget the abysmal management of the franchise by the Columbia Broadcasting System, one of the wealthiest corporations in the USA. CBS entrusted the running of the Yankees to Mike Burke -- who had no experience in running a baseball team, but was previously involved with the Ringing Bros. circus, and other showbusiness ventures. It seemed that CBS was more interested in the prestige of adding the Yankees to its corporate portfolio than it was in investing the big bucks to restore the Yankee organization to its former glory.

From 1965 to Steinbrenner's purchase of the team in 1973, the Yankees were steeped in mediocrity and played second banana to the Mets. In no way could you compare Steinbrenner's wealth (the American Shipbuilding Company) with the resources, power, and influence of CBS.

So, folks, it's not big bucks alone that leads to success, but also a commitment, dedication, and passion for winning. We should never forget the shameful way that CBS used our beloved Yankees for its own self-aggrandizement during those dismal years........

[Jersey Yankee]

Here here!!!

George didn't just consider the Yankees a notch under his belt, a prestigious asset in his burgeoning portfolio. He's made it his duty to win. No other team owner can I name, when discussing this team, by his/her first name only.

George invests but doesn't waste, he wants to make sure his players are compensated but refuses to outspend anyone. I even remembered when Donnie Baseball almost got a $2m contract, but trimmed it to $1.99m, since he knew that George would never sign f/$2m. Contract went through.

I still think that George's lighting of the fire has spurned the Yankees on. From telling the press they were courting Albert Belle when Bernie was hesitant, from bringing up Shane when Knobbie wasn't doing anything, from telling Ed Koch he'd wanted to move to Jersey since the lease was up in '02, I think, I think he creatively plays one side against the other.

Interesting that he can do this w/o being as harsh as in the past, but at least he gets good results. Look at Tino as a great example. Once the name "Jason Giambi" was whispered publicly in his ear, look at the cheers whenever Tino comes to bat. He didn't disappoint to RF on Sunday when I was at The Stadium.

I just hope that George keeps doing his thing, since unlike other teams that overpay and underperform, George knows how to win and strongly desires to do so. Thank The Man Above that Joe was able to calm him strongly, lest we have another Billy Martin hiring/firing/rehiring escapade.

Even skipper Joe doesn't get a contract until he produces some big numbers for his team. Sounds nasty, but like when he hollered out loud, naming DJ and others for not hitting, the results speak for themselves.

[Slippery Elm]

Mike Burke, whom I once met on a street by chance, was, during World War II, very much involved in OSS secret agent stuff. The movie, "Cloak and Dagger", starring Gary Cooper, was loosely based on his activities, and he is credited as an advisor in the film - which is worth a rental. A great fight scene in there.
He was also loosely the model for the Charlton Heston character in "The Greatest Show on Earth".


The Yankee haters with their hackneyed smack can go take a flying you-know-what.

[Jersey Yankee]

SE, I realize you know much more about Yankee history than myself, but may I ask how this pertains to George Steinbrenner? I'm not trying to be cute or anything, just asking a question and that's it.

Thanks.