TAMPA, Fla. - The Yankees are in the midst of a championship drought that has stretched to 17 years, and it’s hard not to wonder what George Steinbrenner would think of today’s team. Known for his fiery passion and relentless pursuit of excellence, "The Boss" would likely have already made some major changes.
Ron Guidry, a Yankees legend, offers a unique perspective on this generational shift. Unlike many former stars who only appear for Old Timers Day, Guidry is a regular presence at camp as a guest instructor. He’s got a front-row seat to the evolution of the team and isn’t shy about expressing how Steinbrenner might react to the current state of affairs.
Guidry believes that Steinbrenner would have been fiercely competitive with the Dodgers, who have become the league’s powerhouse. “George would’ve found a way to match the Dodgers,” Guidry noted.
“If they signed one star, George would’ve signed two. He would’ve done whatever it took to stop what’s happening.”
Guidry’s insights come without bitterness. He appreciates the changes in the game and maintains good relations with Hal Steinbrenner and the current Yankees leadership. His reflections on "The Boss" are less about criticism and more about acknowledging a different era.
Back in the 70s, Steinbrenner’s explosive nature kept players on their toes. The tabloids were his chosen platform, and players eagerly checked the headlines to see what he had to say. Guidry recalls, “There was always tension, guys were always looking over their shoulders, like ‘what’s next?’”
Today’s Yankees don’t face that same pressure. “It’s actually boring this way,” Guidry remarked. The absence of Steinbrenner’s public outbursts has created a calmer environment, but Guidry believes that tension forged resilient players.
Steinbrenner’s legacy isn’t just about his fiery demeanor. He was a visionary businessman who understood the need for additional revenue streams.
Alongside Ted Turner, he was a pioneer in regional sports networks, leading to the creation of the YES Network. He also laid the groundwork for the new Yankee Stadium, embracing a business model that included corporate suites.
The landscape of baseball ownership has evolved significantly since Steinbrenner’s passing in 2010. Wealthy owners and highly educated executives now dominate the front offices. The Dodgers, backed by Guggenheim Baseball Management, are a financial juggernaut with assets worth an estimated $330-$345 billion, making them a formidable opponent.
Guidry believes that Steinbrenner would have challenged the league’s financial dynamics, questioning if it’s fair for a team to leverage such vast resources. This issue may become a central topic in future Collective Bargaining Agreement discussions.
Ultimately, Guidry’s endorsement of Steinbrenner is about more than money; it’s about heart. Steinbrenner’s competitive spirit and hatred of losing left a lasting impression.
When asked how "The Boss" would feel about the Yankees’ current drought, Guidry’s smile said it all: “George would not be happy right now. You can be sure about that.”