George Steinbrenner was more than a peer to Raiders owner Al Davis.
“He was a friend and a warrior,” Davis, 81, said in a statement yesterday.
“We not only shared a birthday, but also an unyielding will to win and an unparalleled commitment to excellence.”
Davis and Steinbrenner were both born on July 4; Davis is one year older.
“I judge sports figures based on individual achievement, team achievement and contributions to the game,” Davis said.
“George was right up there with me at No. 1 — bright, aggressive and, most of all, not afraid.”
A day after Steinbrenner died at 80, sports figures and other notables continued to check in with reactions yesterday.
“He will go down as one of the greatest owners in the history of baseball, and all of sports,” said former Yankee center fielder Bernie Williams.
In Washington, the Senate unanimously adopted a resolution Tuesday night introduced by members from New York and Florida commemorating Steinbrenner’s life and work.
“George Steinbrenner was larger than life, and he was a winner,” New York Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand said. “His single-minded drive in the pursuit of excellence brought pride and glory to the Yankees franchise and all of New York City.”