Piniella: Steinbrenner was like a 'father figure'

CHICAGO -- Chicago Cubs manager and former New York Yankees manager Lou Piniella says New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner "was like a father figure."

Steinbrenner died Tuesday morning and Piniella said in a statement that the Yankees owner "will be remembered as one of the most influential and renowned owners of a franchise in sports history." Piniella says Steinbrenner leaves a legacy of winning and passion for success.

Piniella says Steinbrenner gave him "a wonderful opportunity to play and manage the game we all love." Piniella says Steinbrenner was special to him and he loved him.

Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts says in the same statement that players, fans and Major League Baseball will miss Steinbrenner.