By Jordan Heller
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Though his mark on the Yankees would have forever been remembered anyway, the Bronx Bombers set George Michael Steinbrenner III's memory in stone Monday night, with the unveiling of a new monument at Yankee Stadium.
Steinbrenner's wife and four children were on hand for the ceremony, but of special note was the presence of former Yankees skipper Joe Torre and former Yankees slugger and bench coach Don Mattingly, who was once considered to be Torre's heir apparent.
Torre left the Yankees in the wake of the 2007 season, after the organization offered him a contract deemed unworthy of a manager who, between 1996 and 2007, lead the team to four World Series titles and 12 postseason appearances.
Torre's invitation to the monument unveiling was offered last week, following the announcement that he was stepping down as the manager of the Dodgers. Monday was the first time the two Yankee alumni got to visit the new stadium.
"I was hoping the first time would be last year at the World Series, but we [the Dodgers] came up a little short," Torre told WFAN radio earlier on Monday. "These fans have always been special. You can feel the heartbeat and I’ve heard only great things about the new ballpark. I would like a tour and whatever else they have in store for us. I’m looking forward to it."
Torre got the tour and then some Monday night, when he walked onto the field before Monday night's game between the Yankees and Rays to a standing ovation from fans.
The monument to Steinbrenner, who was the principal owner of the Yankees from 1973 until his death earlier this year, was only the seventh erected in Monument Park, which sits just beyond the centerfield wall.
The active Yankees who played during the Torre years were glad to have their old skipper be a part of the festivities.
"He should be part of this organization," said pitcher Andy Pettitte, reported to the New York Post. "He's a huge part of what we did in the 12 years he spent here."
"It's good to see him come home," the current Yankees manager, Joe Girardi, said, according to the paper.
