Hank Steinbrenner praises Torre for Stadium return

Hank Steinbrenner said Joe Torre's decision to return to Yankee Stadium last night for the unveiling of George Steinbrenner's monument "says a lot about Joe."

The eldest of George Steinbrenner's children, Hank was the most outspoken against Torre when he left the Yankees on bitter terms after the 2007 season. Torre said at the time he was insulted by the incentives in the one-year offer.

But Steinbrenner, speaking briefly outside Yankee Stadium Monday afternoon, said he holds no grudge against the former Yankees manager who won four championships in his 12-year run.

"Joe's a part of Yankee history now," Steinbrenner said. "That's the bottom line."

Dressed in a dark blazer, shirt and slacks, Steinbrenner spoke after an event at Billy's Sports Bar in which Bronx officials thanked the Yankees co-chairman for his support of local children's programs.

The event was attended by children from area Little Leagues as well as some players from "Hank's Yanks," the under-18 team of mostly Long Islanders that Steinbrenner financially supported.

"The team of course won their championship," Steinbrenner said of "Hank's Yanks." "Hopefully it won't be the only championship we win this year."

Steinbrenner briefly left the event at Billy's to return to Yankee Stadium to pick up Alex Rodriguez to bring him back as a surprise to the kids. On his way out the door Steinbrenner said he expected the festivities unveiling his father's monument to be a "sad and unusual" night for his family.

"But at the same time," Steinbrenner said, "it's a great honor for him, my dad, a great honor."

Hank was joined on the field during the ceremony by his brother Hal, sisters Jennifer and Jessica and mother Joan, along with other family members. None of the Steinbrenners addressed the media inside Yankee Stadium before the ceremony.