It's not easy being Red Sox Nation's official ambassador to the Ology office. Half a year ago, before we moved to the new digs, the walls were plastered with magazine cutouts of A-Rod and Jeter in top form. I knew, when first I felt the general Yankees vibe among the staff, that I had my work cut out for me. All alone, I waged a one-man war of public opinion, growling whenever the Bronx Bombers came up in conversation and quietly cheering whenever something even vaguely related to Beantown flashed across the news desk radar.

Now, as I have ever been, I am the lone Sox fan in a sea of blue baseball caps. It's only natural, then, that reporting the news of George Steinbrenner's passing should fall to me.

When first I came across the story, I couldn't entirely believe it. Here was a man at whom, in the name of local pride, I have long been expected to hurl every vulgarity in my extensive collection. Steinbrenner is mentioned by name in the choruses of at least two Boston rally songs. For a long time, I thought he was the Darth Vader of the so-called Evil Empire.

I'll admit it: My first reaction to the news that Steinbrenner had died was to try and think of a snarky comeback. His team had beat us down just one too many times. Certainly I, raised under a crimson banner, had no cause to mourn. But when I started to read the comments on YouTube videos in which Steinbrenner appears, I had to change my mind. "Bob Sheppard went on ahead so he could announce Steinbrenner's entrance into heaven," wrote Gawker commenter The_Lovely_Miss_Bronx. In the same thread, Meercat wrote: "Worked with George on several community projects in Tampa. He was a tireless contributor to the betterment of the area."

Now that I'm giving him the time of day, I'm discovering that Steinbrenner was, in many ways, the ultimate urban baseball personality: The man who could stretch out the baseball diamond to cover five boroughs worth of culture. This town clearly respects the owner, and, even though I'm a displaced Sox diehard, I'm starting to respect him, too.

According to spokesman Howard Rubenstein, Steinbrenner died this morning in Florida after suffering a heart attack. Across the otherwise impassable Sox/Yankees divide, I extend my deepest condolences to all those who proudly wear the pinstripes. Rest in peace, Mr. Steinbrenner.

And, for posterity, here's a selection of George Steinbrenner quotes:

• “As I've always said, the way New Yorkers back us we have to produce for them.”
• “We know how to win.”
• "But why shouldn't I speak out? Don't you speak out in this country?"
• "I will never have a heart attack. I give them."
• "Owning the Yankees is like owning the Mona Lisa."
• "Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next."

[George Steinbrenner Dies of Heart Attack]

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