Yankees CEO Hal Steinbrenner Lived Like A Boss In This $2.1 Million Tampa Home

Tampa is the south, but it’s still Yankee territory—as a “snowbird” sanctuary and the spring training headquarters of the storied New York Yankees franchise. Pinstripes legend Derek Jeter made Tampa his retirement home. Now, a coastal-inspired Tampa estate once owned by his boss (Hal Steinbrenner) comes to market for $2.15 million.

Hal Steinbrenner, youngest son of late New York Yankees boss George Steinbrenner, is the quiet one. Even as current Yankees CEO (officially principal owner and managing general partner), he purposely fades into the background, letting the team’s play do the talking (according to Las Vegas, the Yankees are favored to win the World Series this year).

That’s likely why this secluded Tampa waterfront home suited him. Built in 2006, the 3,564-square-foot house has four bedrooms, four full baths and one half bath—an ideal winter escape or year-round sun retreat, right at Old Tampa Bay’s doorstep.

Manicured landscaping and a long, wide drive lead to handsome façade and welcoming grand double-door entrance. Once inside, the home takes a Turkish bath (via Turkish marble floors) for an refined feel. The great room and side family room are offset by wide arched doorways—adjacent to an expansive double living room.

The open gourmet kitchen features an oversized central island, dark wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and stone counters beneath a crystal chandelier and pendant lights. There’s also a breakfast bench and a butler’s pantry with a wine fridge and scotch bar. The formal dining room is adjacent to a wide balcony on the back of the home.

Upstairs has four spacious ocean life-centric bedrooms, another extended balcony, and a study. There, luxury finishes include hand-scraped wood floors, designer fixtures, and plantation shutters. For technology and utilities, the waterfront home boasts upgrades like an integrated audio system, security system, tankless water heater and integrated generator backup system.

Secluded in deep boating waters, the house offers easy bay access via a large dock and a covered boat lift. The tasteful, fenced-in travertine-tile backyard basks in southern sun exposure, framing a heated pool, spa tub, handcrafted Cyprus pergola, cozy cabanas, full bathhouse, outdoor TV, and gas fireplace—all protected by landscaped hedges, trees and a mosquito control system. The New Orleans-style house-wide balconies are two-level vista perches, covered and overlooking the backyard and the water.

“This coastal-inspired residence is surrounded by new homes in a top-rated school district,” says listing agent Paul DeSantis of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Tampa office. “With easy access to elegant dining, shopping and professional sports venues, it is also within a short drive of Tampa International Airport.”

Tampa has been home to many Yankees players, coaches and staff over the years, including the Steinbrenners. George Steinbrenner, the bombastic Yankees owner from 1973 to 2010 wasn’t shy about telling the world how much he loved living in Tampa. Yankees fans didn’t mind because he won them seven championships in 37 years—in New York City.

Hal and his brother Hank guided their dad’s beloved Yankees to the 2009 World Series title, just before patriarch George passed away in 2010. Joan Steinbrenner, George’s widow remained in Tampa until her passing last December. Their final resting place is nearby Trinity Memorial Gardens. So Tampa will always be Yankee country—as long as the Steinbrenners own the team.

- Originally posted on Forbes