Book Reveals Yankees' Near Move to New Jersey

George Steinbrenner's successful bid to keep the team in the Bronx is detailed in new book.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:34pm

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A new book by author Mike Vaccaro, "The Bosses of the Bronx," reveals that the New York Yankees were nearly sold and moved to New Jersey in 1973, before George Steinbrenner stepped in with a successful bid to keep the team in the Bronx.

Why it matters

The potential move of the iconic Yankees franchise out of New York City would have been a seismic shift in baseball history, depriving the Bronx of one of its most beloved institutions. Steinbrenner's purchase and commitment to keeping the team in its longtime home laid the groundwork for the Yankees' resurgence in the decades that followed.

The details

According to Vaccaro's book, a group led by Lehman Brothers was the frontrunner to purchase the Yankees in 1973, with plans to move the team to a new stadium in New Jersey. This group had already courted Willie Mays to be the team's manager, which would have made him the first African American manager in MLB. However, Steinbrenner's group ultimately outbid the Lehman Brothers' offer and secured the Yankees for just over $10 million, a bargain at the time.

  • In 1973, CBS was looking to sell the New York Yankees franchise.
  • Steinbrenner's group purchased the Yankees for just over $10 million.
  • The Lehman Brothers' group had reportedly offered between $13.5 million and $14 million to buy the team and move it to New Jersey.

The players

George Steinbrenner

The long-time owner of the New York Yankees, who led a group that purchased the team in 1973 and kept them in the Bronx.

Mike Vaccaro

The author of the new book "The Bosses of the Bronx," which reveals details about the Yankees' near move to New Jersey in 1973.

Willie Mays

The legendary baseball player who was being courted by the Lehman Brothers' group to be the Yankees' manager, which would have made him the first African American manager in MLB.

Frank Robinson

The first African American manager in MLB, debuting in the role on October 3, 1974.

E. Michael Burke

A member of the Steinbrenner group that purchased the Yankees in 1973.

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What they’re saying

“This is the best buy in sports today. I think it's a bargain.”

— George Steinbrenner

What’s next

The book "The Bosses of the Bronx" by Mike Vaccaro is set to be released on April 15, 2026, providing further details on the Yankees' near move and Steinbrenner's successful bid to keep the team in the Bronx.

The takeaway

George Steinbrenner's purchase of the Yankees in 1973 not only kept the iconic franchise in New York City, but also laid the foundation for the team's resurgence in the decades that followed, including seven World Series titles. This near-miss move to New Jersey highlights the importance of the Yankees to the Bronx community and the lasting impact of Steinbrenner's decision.