"Today, New Yorkers share in the loss of a great hero and institution -- George Steinbrenner.

"As the owner of the Yankees for nearly four decades, Mr. Steinbrenner was a giant not only in the world of baseball -- but in New York City as well.  Mr. Steinbrenner was a leader and a winner, who led the Yankees to seven World Series championships and 11 American League pennants, building the franchise into the world-renown powerhouse and the pride of New York that they are today. 

"All the while, he never forgot the New Yorkers he was fighting for. 'I care about New York dearly,' he famously said in 2004. 'I like every cab driver, every guy that stops the car and honks, every truck driver. I feed on that.'

"Mr. Steinbrenner was a beloved part of our city. He will be sorely missed."