"It's a good thing Babe Ruth isn't still here — George would have him bat seventh and say he's overweight."
— New York Yankees third baseman Craig Nettles
"He says all the right things, like it's [Derek] Jeter's team. I want to correct him on that — it's my team."
— George Steinbrenner on newcomer first baseman Jason Giambi
"Catfish Hunter had the distinction of playing for both Charlie Finley and George Steinbrenner, which is enough in itself to put a player in the Hall of Fame."
— Former baseball Commissioner Peter Ueberroth
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next."
— Steinbrenner
"You measure the value of a ballplayer by how many fannies he puts in the seats."
— Steinbrenner
Steinbrenner found his way into the "Seinfeld" story line during Season Five, when Seinfeld pal George Costanza landed a job as the Yankees' assistant to the traveling secretary. Steinbrenner never actually appeared on screen. His character was shown only from behind, voiced by show creator Larry David. A couple of memorable lines, as compiled by Sports Business Daily:
"What the hell did you trade Jay Buhner for? Last year he had 30 home runs, over 100 RBIs! He's got a rocket for an arm! You don't know what the hell you're doing!"
— Frank Costanza, to Steinbrenner after being informed by Steinbrenner of his son's death ("The Caddy")
"We're running a ballclub here. If I give special treatment to you, everyone will want it. Next thing you know, it's chaos. And I can tell you this: Chaos does not work for the New York Yankees. Not as long as I'm running the show!"
— Steinbrenner, telling George Costanza that he didn't get a promotion because he was presumed dead ("The Caddy")
"I used to be like you, berating personnel until they cried, calling managers on the field during a game, threatening to move the team to New Jersey just to upset people. And then I found a way to relax. I've got two words to say to you, George: Hot Tub."
— Steinbrenner, to George Costanza, after Costanza's plan to look annoyed in order to appear busy backfires ("The Hot Tub")
