George Steinbrenner use to publish “missives” when he believed his team was performing less than their best. Fans and media alike would await the latest statement from George after a tough weekend against the Red Sox or when the Bombers were in the midst of a long losing streak.

Hal Steinbrenner is not nearly as hands on as his father, but he certainly wants you to know what he thinks. It’s obvious the team would publish a press release about Hal’s thoughts on Derek Jeter‘s 3,000th hit, Andy Pettitte‘s retirement, Yankee Stadium events, or a recap of the just completed season. What I didn’t expect was to hear Hal and company weigh in on non-baseball matters.

Take this December 3rd, 2010 release.

YANKEES MOURN THE PASSING OF ELAINE KAUFMAN

Earlier today, Elaine Kaufman, owner of the Manhattan restaurant Elaine’s, passed away at age 81.

STATEMENT FROM: NEW YORK YANKEES MANAGING GENERAL PARTNER HAL STEINBRENNER ON BEHALF OF THE STEINBRENNER FAMILY

“We mourn the loss of Elaine Kaufman. She was a great friend to my father and our family, as well as a tremendous supporter of the New York Yankees. She was a special person who contributed so much to the rich fabric of New York City. I extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends and loved ones.”

STATEMENT FROM: NEW YORK YANKEES PRESIDENT RANDY LEVINE

“My wife, Mindy, and I considered Elaine a dear personal friend and one of the greatest ladies in New York City. Not only was she a famous restaurateur and gracious host, but she was a delightful, wonderful person. We will personally miss her friendship. Elaine was one-of-a-kind, and she will be deeply missed.”

Take this statement on January 6th of this year.

“The New York Yankees are delighted to add their congratulations to the outpouring of support for Archbishop Dolan upon his elevation to Cardinal. He has been a wonderful source of inspiration and spiritual guidance for the entire New York community during his tenure. We look forward to many more years of his grace and leadership.”

Inherently there is nothing wrong with Steinbrenner mourning the passing of a restaurateur or congratulating the Archbishop. Maybe it’s just me, but I think it would be more sincere if it were done privately and without the press release. There are issues of public importance and neither of these examples fall into that category. One of George’s best traits was the good work he did that only seemed to come out after his passing. The Yankees were a big brand under him without the need to pump the corporate machine.

These kind of statements reek of self-importance, not to mention that Randy Levine had to have his two cents in one. What’s next? Hal Steinbrenner and Randy Levine weight in on the Republic Primary? Their thoughts on the debt ceiling?

Let’s stick to baseball. The Yankees were more fun when statements about the team’s play were the focus of media relations. We don’t need Hal to let us know what he feels about local and world events.

Am I off base here?

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: George Steinbrenner, Hal Steinbrenner, New York Yankees, Randy Levine