As the McCourt divorce continues to slowly (and excrutiatingly) plays out, I’m reminded of how great ownership can truly shape the direction of a franchise.

Following are quotes from those within the Dodgers organization that knew George Steinbrenner best (quotes courtesy of the Los Angeles Dodgers PR staff):

“George was a friend who I admired very much.  He was a giant in our game and he built an empire.  All he was was a winner.  He wanted to give the fans a winner, and that’s exactly what he did.” 

- Dodger Hall of Fame Manager Tommy Lasorda

“I will always remember George Steinbrenner as a passionate man, a tough boss, a true visionary, a great humanitarian and a dear friend.  I will be forever grateful that he trusted me with his Yankees for 12 years. My heart goes out to his entire family. He will be deeply missed in New York, Tampa and throughout the world of baseball. It’s only fitting that he went out as a world champ.”

– Dodger Manager Joe Torre

“I am deeply saddened to hear the news of George Steinbrenner’s passing.  His vision, passion and commitment to winning, recharged the New York Yankees and revolutionized the game.

I remember a man driven to succeed.   He was the owner, “The Boss” and number one fan of the Yankees.  Our relationship was built on mutual respect.  I will never forget and always be grateful for how he treated me and my family both during my playing days and after I retired.

I will miss him very much and extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Joan, and all the members of the Steinbrenner family.”           

– Dodger Hitting Coach Don Mattingly

“George Steinbrenner was the first owner to contact me to congratulate me when I purchased the Los Angeles Dodgers.  From that day forward we built a strong and meaningful friendship.  He was a larger than life owner who cared deeply about winning.  George helped shape the game of baseball during his incredible stewardship of the Yankees.  My deepest sympathies go out to his wife, Joan and his four children, Hal, Hank, Jennifer and Jessica and the entire Steinbrenner family.”

– Dodger Owner Frank McCourt

Rest in Peace, George Steinbrenner!

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Chris O’Meara

Danley was the unfortunate soul who was beaned by an errant pitch and briefly hospitalized as a result of his injuries. Almost one year later, Danley was again the unfortunate recipient of a high speed projectile…this time in the form of a shattered bat to the head on April 21st.

Danley certainly seems to be having his share of bad luck these days. Interestingly enough, the World Umpires Association seems to be quiet this time on the topic of umpire injuries (whereas they seemed downright litigious only a year ago). MLB officials are vigorously tracking the incidents of broken bats and note that they are down from approximately 1 broken bat per game to only 0.8 bats per game.

Some sports are actually seeing more injuries as competition increases. Just this week, cricket umpires in India have indicated that umpires may need to move to wearing baseball helmets to protect themselves.

Even former Dodger manager and current advisor Tommy Lasorda has been stung by a broken bat – remember the 2001 All-Star game?

My question is – have any steps been taken to improve the protection from bats and wild pitches for umpires and other “at risk” employees of MLB? A year ago, the focus was all on restitution. No one was speaking seriously about revamping protection for umpires and others to ensure a greater level of safety when bats and balls go wild. A year later, it seems as if it is still considered an acceptable loss if the occasional player or on- field personnel…unless your name happens to be Mr. or Mrs. Kerwin Danley.

There are just two stops on the itinerary – a 76 station for gas and a Carl’s Jr. for lunch. Product placement and sponsors are cheering the event (obviously).

What is unknown is how the Dodgers front office will keep Lasorda away from such cardiac nightmares as the Double Western Bacon Cheeseburger that reside on the Carls Jr. menu. Also unknown is whether Mrs. Lasorda has been invited with promises of a “steak dinner” (hope Tommy has seen how that story turns out in the recent ads).

Here’s the link to Tommy’s rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” from Wrigley (the photo is from a different event).  Enjoy!

This just in from the Dodgers…can’t wait to see the video.  One note about the Baby Ruth contest listed below: what the release does not state is that the winner gets to lead the crowd in singing Take Me Out to the Ball Game at the 2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium.  It’s an awesome prize (full disclosure: I work on this promotion).

LOS ANGELES – Hall of Fame Manager and Special Advisor to the Chairman Tommy Lasordawill sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh-inning stretch at Wrigley Field.  Lasorda will make his sixth appearance at Wrigley Field tomorrow singing baseball’s anthem, as his previous performances came in 1999, 2002, ’03, ’05, and ’06.

“Singing ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game’ during the seventh-inning stretch is an institution in baseball,” said Lasorda.  “I am honored to be asked, and look forward to leading the fans in the song.”

As 2008 marks the 100^th anniversary of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” Major League Baseball and Baby Ruth teamed up to offer one lucky fan a once-in-a-lifetime prize for the best video performance of  “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”  Fans had the chance to enter their video rendition of the song from March 31 through May 26. In June, ten semi-finalists’ videos, selected by MLB and Baby Ruth, will be posted for fan voting online. The three videos with the most votes will go to 2008 DHL All-Star FanFest where a panel of judges will determine the grand prize winner.

The “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” song was originally composed in 1908 by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer, neither of whom had ever been to a Major League Baseball game. The song is the third most frequently sung tune in the United States after “Happy Birthday” and the “Star Spangled Banner,” and has sold over 10 million copies in sheet music and/or records.

Over the past one hundred years more than 400 musicians in every conceivable genre have recorded the song including Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, LL Cool J, The Goo Goo Dolls and Jimmy Buffett. The original lyrics are now part of the collection at the National Baseball Hall of Fame Library in Cooperstown .