‘Relic’ Steinbrenner May Reduce His Role

George Steinbrenner, who has overseen everything from player moves to parking-lot problems this season, says he might diminish his role as owner of the New York Yankees if they win the World Series.

“I think that might be the time to think about a lot less involvement,” Steinbrenner told WCBS-AM on Tuesday, shortly before the Yankees began the AL playoffs against Cleveland.

“I’m thinking of less involvement every day,” he said. “I’m an old, ancient relic.”

The Yankees, who won the World Series last year, were bought in 1973 by a group put together by Steinbrenner.

Steinbrenner’s son, Hal, and his son-in-law, Joe Molloy, began this season as general partners of the Yankees.

“The younger people are coming,” said Steinbrenner, 67.

When would he let a family member take over more of the operation?

“Probably as soon as I feel they’re ready,” he said.

Steinbrenner said baseball is not as much fun as it was when he first bought the team.

“The problems are increasing in our sport,” he said.

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Frank Torre, the brother of Yankee Manager Joe Torre, was forced to watch the 1996 playoffs on a hospital TV as he waited for a heart transplant he ultimately received during the World Series.

Torre is back in a Manhattan hospital because of anemia and a colon infection, potential threats to his weakened immune system.

However, Joe Torre said his brother hopes to attend the league championship series, if the Yankees advance.