New York Yankees to Rename Facility "George M. Steinbrenner Field" During Pre-Game Ceremony on March 27

03/24/2008 -- The New York Yankees announced today that they will officially rename Legends Field in Tampa, their spring training facility and home of the Single-A Tampa Yankees, to "George M. Steinbrenner Field" during a pre-game ceremony on Thursday, March 27, prior to their 1:15 p.m. game vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates.

During the pre-game on-field ceremony, the Steinbrenner family will unveil new scoreboard signage in left field with the Stadium's new moniker. Tampa City Council member Charlie Miranda and Hillsborough County Commissioner Rose Ferlita will be on hand as guest speakers for the ceremony, which will feature a video presentation congratulating Mr. Steinbrenner as well as a flyover by Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and Tampa Police Department helicopters. Mrs. Joan Steinbrenner will throw out the game's ceremonial first pitch, representing the Steinbrenner family.

On February 14, 2008, Hank and Hal Steinbrenner announced that the New York Yankees would rename Legends Field to "George M. Steinbrenner Field," following two unanimous resolutions supporting the change by the Hillsborough County Commission and the Tampa City Council.

"I am humbled and flattered to have this outstanding and totally unexpected honor conferred on me," said George M. Steinbrenner on February 14, 2008, when the renaming was announced. "I extend my thanks to the Tampa City Council and to the Hillsborough County Commissioners for passing resolutions suggesting and recommending the change. I also thank my family for supporting the renaming of the stadium and for everything they have done for so many years that helped bring about this great day."

The resolution by the Tampa City Council, passed on February 7, 2008, endorses the naming of Legends Field after George M. Steinbrenner by citing his many charitable donations on behalf of youth activities, hospitals and the arts. Among these contributions, the founding of The Gold Shield Foundation, which insures that the families of police officers and firemen killed in the line of duty receive early financial assistance and are guaranteed a tuition-free college education, is singled out as an especially significant endeavor. The resolution also recognizes that George M. Steinbrenner has stepped forward at critical times to help influence and improve the community.

The resolution of the Board of the Hillsborough County Commissioners, passed on February 6, 2008, recognizes that the New York Yankees hold the naming rights to Legends Field and urges the Yankees to honor George M. Steinbrenner by renaming Legends Field in recognition of his numerous extraordinary contributions to the area.

Source: MLB

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