Steinbrenner attends as ballfield is renamed

George Steinbrenner, third from left, helps unveil the new sign that shows the new name of the field, George M. Steinbrenner Field during a ceremony. [Chris Zuppa, Times]

TAMPA -- Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, 77, made a rare public appearance today at Legends Field as the team's spring training home was renamed for him.

"It's an honor," Steinbrenner said.

These days, the man known as "The Boss" typically stays in the owner's box at the ballpark. Today, flanked by family, he rode a golf cart to left field and tugged on a rope to unveil a sign bearing the stadium's new name, George M. Steinbrenner Field.

He got a standing ovation.

Tampa and Hillsborough County leaders had asked for the renaming in recognition of Steinbrenner's decades-long support of local charities.

Hank Steinbrenner, one of two sons, said of his father's legacy: "The most important thing is the children's charities, no question. He always told us that America is supposed to be the land of milk and honey, and there's too many people left behind."

-- Mike Brassfield, Times staff writer