The Boss Looks Lost

George Steinbrenner's appearance during the All Star pregame ceremony brought mix emotions. Although it was clear that Steinbrenner understood the significance of the situation he was in, it was unclear whether he actually knew he was in Yankee Stadium. He almost looked like a king on his deathbed giving one last appearance in front of his kingdom's people.

The man has been in hiding for nearly two years now and has, according to reports, shown signs of aging and Alzheimer's.  Still, although he looked kind of sad, I felt happy for the man as he seemed to understand he was in front of people that appreciated the dedication (and dollar) he has put into the team.

On a personal note I feel like the man helped to create part of my childhood. I was eight years old when the Yankees won in 1996. My first conscious baseball memory is from the year before when the Mariners came back from a two game deficit to beat the Yankees in the ALDS. Needless to say I was spoiled to see four championships in the next five years. I still remember Charlie Hayes catching the fly ball to secure the first World Series. The glory years, which can even be extended to 2003 (that way we get two more pennants) include seeing Scott Brosius' game tying home run, Derek Jeter's and Tino Martinez's game winners against the Diamondbacks, Jeter's flip against the A's, Boone's homer off Wakefield, Jimmy Leyritz's game winner against the Braves (actually I was told about that one by my mother the next day because I had cried myself to sleep the night before) and countless other memories. I feel like I owe a thank you to The Boss. Even though one hears about all the incredulous stories about you, I would like to thank you, for making my childhood as a Yankee fan be so memorable. (Tear Tear.)