George Steinbrenner and the NSSF
It was 1995 and Mike Byrnes and I were struggling to put on the National Scholastic Outdoor track and field championships (now called the New Balance Nationals). It was the fifth year of the meet and the second at North Carolina State U in Raleigh, NC.
We were trying to run the meet on entry fees and admissions. Any shortfall would have to be made up by Mike and me since sponsorships were hard to come by.
Mike had seen George Steinbrenner on the track circuit from time to time and befriended him. He managed to give George a call in May of that year asking for sponsorship. I got a call at the end of the May. I answered the phone and a voice said, "Hello, Mike?". I said, "No. It's Jim Spier". The person responded, "Oh, Jim, this is George Steinbrenner. Mike said you could use some help to put on the meet. I'll have a check for $10,000.00 coming to you tomorrow. Will that help?". "Of course", I said. "Believe me, it's really appreciated". So we had enough to "get us over the hump" thanks to George Steinbrenner.
George mentioned that he would be flying up from Tampa to watch the meet. He did not want to be recognized in any way. We did spot he and his pilot in the stands. I quietly went up and thanked him.
What I did not know is that my wife, Verna, who was taking admissions was not aware that George would be attending. Not recognizing him, he charged George and his pilot the full admission price plus sold him a program. So we got George for about $10,025.00.
He was a most generous individual. From that day on when anyone "bad-mouthed" George Steinbrenner, I was quick to come to his defense. We are deeply indebted.
