The New York Yankees are facing challenging times. They’ve had a poor season; they’ve had management issues, injury issues, player development issues, and whatnot. The decorated franchise is going through its toughest period since the 90s, and while a lot of people could be deemed responsible for the mess, there is one at the helm of it.

The Steinbrenner name carries with it a legacy that basks in glory and fame, mixed in with copious amounts of controversy. George Steinbrenner, or ‘The Boss’, as he was called, was the spitting image of a man on a mission. A ruthless administrator who was quick-witted, was also a relentless pursuer of excellence. During his tenure, he led the Bronx Bombers head-on. However, he’s been gone for 13 years, and with a new boss in the office, times are a-changing for the iconic franchise.

Hal Steinbrenner and his leadership

Lack of leadership- Hal Steinbrenner is nothing like his father. He has a more measured and calculated approach to things. While George was known for his tough love and as a man who went by his gut, his son is regarded as being more levelheaded and patient. While that might not be a bad thing in itself, it has certainly been at odds with what the fans expect. Hal’s more neutered approach might be less polarizing than his father’s “I’m dead against free will. It could destroy baseball” approach, but it runs the risk of being easily misconstrued as being less involved and simply as a not-caring one.

Limited Involvement- The same seems to be reiterated when it comes to involvement in personnel matters. While Sr. Steinbrenner was your typical hands-on-deck kind of person, involved deeply in even the minutest of issues concerning the team or the players, his son stands in sharp contrast to the above. Hal prefers to rely on General Manager Brian Cashman to make squad decisions. This has reportedly created a gap between the ownership and the personnel, as Hal is not known to have personal connections with his players. Even his interest in acquiring new talent is under question. This is the polar opposite of his father’s interest in talents like Dwight Gooden and Gary Sheffield. And this is only the beginning of the issues.

Communication and accountability issues

Lack of Accountability- Having accountability in their ranks is the key to any team’s success, and that has lately been missing with the Yankees. After the death of his father, Hal’s leadership style is defined as being uncompromising and unconcerned with the team’s performance. Reportedly, he has been unwilling to make changes in the middle of the season, and his attitude has led to fans’ disappointment. One example is that fans have expressed their wish to have manager Aaron Boone removed, but Hal has seemingly paid no ear to it.

Attitude Issues- While his father was also known for his antics and outbursts, Hal Steinbrenner’s interactions with the media have gained attention for the wrong reasons. He has been repeatedly criticized due to his condescending and uninterested approach to the media. This approach has also been considered a sign of chaos and disharmony within the team’s ranks. An important example of this came in the 2022 season, as the Pinstripes were humiliatingly defeated by the Astros in the ALCS. Upon being asked the reason behind his team’s dismal performance, Hal pointed to injuries as being the primary reason, while stating “I’m not going to make any excuses”. His contrasting statements sparked a debate as to where his responsibility with the team lands.

Hal’s Hands-Off Way- Steinbrenner has also been regarded as an owner with a more hands-off approach. This too comes in direct contrast with his father’s over-involvement. While micromanaging isn’t always advantageous, some argue that Hal’s approach has gone too far. The Yankees have had a string of disappointing performances, but even during this phase, they have carried on with a management that seems to not take responsibility.

Unpopular Financial Decisions 

Plan 189- One of the most talked-about aspects of Hall’s leadership is his recurring financial dilemmas, including his commitment to Plan 189. The plan was aimed at keeping the Yankees’ payroll under $189 million to avoid luxury tax payments. From a business standpoint, it does make financial sense. But for an iconic team like the Yankees, it gives off an image of frugality and financial mismanagement. Also, because of this plan, the Yankees have abandoned their long-term nurturing approach. And have opted for narrow-minded, short-term deals with a focus on cost-effectiveness. For example, their hesitance to miss out on skilled free agents and talents like Yoenis Cespedes and Yasiel Puig has not made fans particularly happy.

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Harris Steinbrenner’s leadership is at odds with his late father’s. In this case, ‘like father, like son’ certainly doesn’t apply. While Hal has been more measured with his approach, he has also been more distant and has not seemed to be taking personal responsibility. His criticisms and lack of involvement, along with an unfriendly communication style, haven’t helped his cause. While he may never be his father, as each man is different in his ways, his leadership remains a point of contention between the Yankee fans and stands at risk of obliterating the legacy they have created.

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