The personality of the late George Steinbrenner has been characterized many ways from the media as a no-nonsense quick-striking authority figure to Seinfeld as George Costanza’s rambling and quirky boss. How many were aware of his affinity for professional wrestling? Certainly not us. In the late 1990’s as the New York Yankees were in the midst of a dynamic World Series title run the front office had this offered commemorative championship wrestling belt made for “The Boss”—a nice gesture that also served well as a gag gift around the office when the Yankee owner would sometimes be seen wearing it to get a rise out of his staff. These behind-the-scene details have come to light thanks to our consignor a former Yankees player and coach who spent over a dozen years in pinstripes. He does not want his name publicized but it will be revealed to the winning bidder in a detailed letter of provenance.

As the letter attests “Mr. Steinbrenner was a great boss and friend both on and off the field. Along with other Yankee coaches I used to accompany Mr. Steinbrenner to pro wrestling matches in Tampa FL. Many people don’t know how big a wrestling fan he was. He was thoroughly entertained by the sport and it made him laugh so much in his life. After winning back-to-back World Series titles in 1999 and 2000 (guess they forgot about ’98 to make it three straight) Mr. Steinbrenner was presented with this Championship Belt specially made for him by the World Wrestling Association on behalf of the Yankees. It is one-of-a-kind and the only one made for him to my knowledge. He was sometimes seen wearing it around the office jokingly elbowing some of the coaches and staff. I acquired Mr. Steinbrenner’s belt many years ago and it has remained in my possession ever since.”

So there you have it. One less mystery about the personal life of the legendary Yankees owner who will surely be enshrined in Cooperstown someday.

The 4-foot long (8” tall) belt made of faux white leather has Velco straps. Three snazzy Yankee-themed color nameplates call out every World Series Championship the storied franchise had ever won up until the millennium. The rectangular centerpiece has ”WORLD CHAMPIONS” above the team logo “19 NY 99” 20 NY 00” “THE CENTURY’S TEAM” and “George Steinbrenner” all etched in shiny gold to match the perimeter framing. A simple yet eye-catching design to honor an unlikely fan of WWF and WCW stars such as Hulk Hogan Randy Savage Ric Flair and the like.

Includes letter of provenance from a former Yankees player and coach