WQUN's Schweizer talks Steinbrenner

Hamden, Conn. (WTNH) - The sports world is reacting to the passing of George Steinbrenner.

The longtime Yankee owner leaves behind quite a legacy and he made quite an impression on the reporters who covered him.

Quinnipiac University’s Bill Schweizer covered Steinbrenner for more than twenty years and shared with News 8’s Keith Kountz one of his favorite memories.

"Mr. Bluster was a character and I called him, Mr. Bluster on the air. He knew it and I found it out when he was sitting with a bunch of beat writers and my name came up. ‘Bill Schweizer. He's the one who calls me Mr. Bluster, but at least he calls me Mister.'”

The Bronx Bombers were, believe it or not, a struggling franchise when Steinbrenner bought the team in 1973. Since then they have won seven World Series titles.

Schweizer says Steinbrenner was a new breed of owner in professional sports.

'It used to be baseball owners were sportsmen. He came in as a business guy. He brought the Yankees back to a place of prominence. That's his legacy that he had a fierce desire to win.”

Steinbrenner celebrated his 80th birthday this past Fourth of July.

A tribute to his life and legacy is planned for Tuesday night's All Star Game.