John Cashman, Yanks' GM's dad, dies at 72

ATLANTIS, Fla. -- John Cashman, a veteran of the harness racing industry and the father of New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, has died. He was 72.

Carol Hodes, publicity director for the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of NJ, says John Cashman died Saturday in Atlantis, Fla. She says Cashman had been battling pancreatic cancer.

A New York native and an avid fan of harness racing since he was a young boy, Cashman would often accompany his father -- a steward for the New York State Racing & Wagering Board -- to the racetrack and other industry events.

In 1992, Cashman was inducted into the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in upstate Goshen, where he served as an active trustee.

-- AP