Yankees' Hank Steinbrenner Dies at 63

New York Yankees co-owner Hank Steinbrenner, whose family has had longtime involvement in Thoroughbred racing and breeding, died April 14 in Clearwater, Fla., from a "longstanding health issue," the Yankees announced. He was 63.

Steinbrenner, who was in his 13th season as general partner in the ballclub, was the eldest son of the late former Yankees principal owner George Steinbrenner III. The elder Steinbrenner became involved in Thoroughbreds after purchasing land in Ocala, Fla., in 1969, forming Kinsman Farm.

In addition to breeding and raising horses, Kinsman has been involved in racing, winning the Hopeful Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course in 2007 with Majestic Warrior. Kinsman Stable also ran six horses in the Kentucky Derby (G1) from 1977 to 2005, with its best finish a fifth from Steve's Friend in 1977. Bellamy Road  was the farm's last Derby starter, running seventh in 2005. 

"Hank was a genuine and gentle spirit who treasured the deep relationships he formed with those closest to him," said the Steinbrenner family in a statement. "He was introduced to the Yankees organization at a very young age, and his love for sports and competition continued to burn brightly throughout his life. Hank could be direct and outspoken, but in the very same conversation show great tenderness and light-heartedness. More than anything, he set an example for all of us in how comfortably he lived enjoying his personal passions and pursuits. We are profoundly saddened to have lost him and will carry his memory with us always."

Hank Steinbrenner began working around horses as a teenager and advanced his knowledge of pedigrees in years spent at the farm. He spent many decades passionately involved in the breeding, raising, and racing of horses, serving as a vice president and director of Bay Farms Corporation since 1985 and as a longtime member of the board of the Ocala Breeders Sales Company.

Jessica Steinbrenner, Hank's sister, is president of Kinsman Farm.

Steinbrenner served on boards of the YES Network and Gold Shield Foundation and was involved in a number of not-for-profit causes and children's charities in New York and Tampa Bay.

He is survived by four children: daughters Jacqueline and Julia; sons George Michael IV and John; one granddaughter, Anabel; and siblings Jennifer, Jessica, and Hal.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Friends of Joshua House Foundation.