George Steinbrenner is boss of the New York Yankees no more. The omnipresent owner's colorful 35-year reign of pronouncements, threats and firings ended yesterday when he passed control of baseball's most famous franchise to his youngest son, Hal.

The elder Steinbrenner has gradually withdrawn from the Yankees' day-to-day operations in recent years as his health faded, and brothers Hal and Hank were appointed co-chairmen in April. "I realize it's a great responsibility," said Hal Steinbrenner, who turns 40 Dec. 3. "My dad is, needless to say, a tough act to follow."

George Steinbrenner, now 78, headed a group that bought the club in January 1973 for an $8.7 million net price and became one of the most high-profile owners in all of sports.

He dominated the back pages of New York's tabloids, earning the nickname "The Boss" as he spent lavishly on players and changed managers 20 times during his first 23 years as owner, feuding with Billy Martin, Yogi Berra and Dave Winfield.

The Yankees regained their former glory, winning six World Series titles and 10 American League pennants from 1976-2003. They also transformed themselves into a sports empire that owns a cable television network and food concession company and is preparing to move into a $1.3 billion new Yankee Stadium next year.

"He's been slowing down the last couple years," Hal Steinbrenner said. "Really, for the last two years I have been intimately involved with all aspects and all departments of the company. My duties aren't really going to change and my workload isn't going to change much."

More Yankees

From day one of spring training, Mike Mussina knew this was his final year -- even if it meant giving up bids for 300 wins, a World Series ring and a better shot at the Hall of Fame. The Yankees pitcher walked away from baseball after his only 20-win season, a month shy of his 40th birthday with a still-potent right arm. "I don't have any regrets with what I decided. This is the right time," Mussina said.

Also, CC Sabathia will have a deadline to accept New York's contract proposal. "We've made him an offer. It's not going to be there forever," Hal Steinbrenner said. New York offered a six-year contract to the pitcher last Friday.

Phillies

Three-time All-Star Chase Utley will have surgery and might not be ready for the start of the 2009 regular season. Utley will have surgery next week to repair his right hip.

Rockies

Former Pirates manager Jim Tracy has accepted the Colorado bench coach position. Tracy will assist Colorado manager Clint Hurdle.