9:05 AM PT -- The Steinbrenner family released a statement through the Yankees Tuesday morning ... remembering Hank as a "genuine and gentle spirit."
"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."
The statement continued ... "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.”
New York Yankees co-owner Hank Steinbrenner has died, his family confirmed. He was 63.
Hank had been battling an illness for a while -- but according to the NY Post, it was NOT related to COVID-19.
Steinbrenner was reportedly surrounded by family at his home in Clearwater, Florida when he passed. Hank is survived by his brother, Hal, and their two sisters, Jennifer and Jessica. He also has 4 children with his ex-wife.
Hank famously took over much of the ownership duties after his father, George Steinbrenner, passed away in 2010. In recent years, his brother, Hal, has taken over the role of "boss."
But, while Hank was in charge, he was known for being big and brash like his dad -- never afraid to speak his mind in public.
In fact, Hank famously made headlines back in 2008 when he took aim at the rival, Boston Red Sox.
"Red Sox Nation?" What a bunch of bush*t that is," Steinbrenner told The New York Times' Play magazine.
"That was a creation of the Red Sox and ESPN, which is filled with Red Sox fans.
"Go anywhere in America and you won't see Red Sox hats and jackets, you'll see Yankee hats and jackets. This is a Yankee country. We're going to put the Yankees back on top and restore the universe to order."
Funny, we feel like that's the quote Hank would want to end this post -- so we'll leave it at that.
RIP
Originally published -- 8:24 AM PT