MLB

Steinbrenner: We’ll win it for the fans

Steve Serby had an exclusive interview with legendary Yankees Boss, George Steinbrenner, via spokesman Howard Rubenstein.

Q: The players want to win the Yankees’ 27th world championship for you — how does that make you feel?

A: It’s a nice sentiment, and I appreciate it. But as far as I’m concerned, we always want to win it for the fans. If we win it, I’ll dedicate it to them. And that’s the main motivation I want for our entire organization.

Q: How badly do you burn to win that 27th championship?

A: It’s a fire that’s always there, and it burns hotter the closer you get. I know our fans are consumed with it and that makes me want even more.

Q: If you were to give these Yankees a pregame pep talk — what would you tell them?

A: You had a great year, now finish like Yankees. Think of those 50,000 people in the stands and everybody watching on TV. They are the most loyal and dedicated fans in sports. We built you guys a beautiful new stadium. We are counting on you to break it in the right way — by making it the home of the 2009 world champions. It’s a long off season, so leave it all on the field and give it your best.

Q: What were your emotions when Mariano closed out the Angels and the Yankees were back in the World Series?

A: Well, as always I loved getting the win with Mariano out there. I was delighted we got the AL pennant. Most of all, I was very excited because I knew we would have a shot at delivering another world championship to New York and our fans. And the players deserved it after the great year they had, so I was really happy for them.

Q: How would you rate Hank and Hal as owners?

A: They have been superb, as has been the whole family. I always said I hoped my family would become involved in the team. That’s now happened, and every one of them has exceeded my expectations. They are winners, and I know they understand the priorities and goals we have for the team. I have every confidence in them.

Q: Your thoughts on Joe Girardi. What do you like about him as a manager?

A: Results are the most important factor. We won more games this regular season than anybody else. He’s done a great job.

Q: What are the qualities you like about this Yankees team?

A: They are fighters. You see it in the come-from-behind games. It’s a good mix of veterans and younger players. They developed good team chemistry. They know what’s expected of them.

Q: How do these Yankees reflect the people of New York?

A: They are tough and proud of who they are and what they represent. They work hard and want to win every day. They are on a big stage in a competitive place and like it that way.

Q: How difficult have these nine years between championships been for you?

A: It was frustrating. It’s hard when somebody else is wining it, and you are on the sidelines. It makes you realize how important winning is. You work harder because you want to get back there so badly.

Q: What do you like best about the new stadium?

A: It’s a great combination of the old and the new. The fans seem to love it and have embraced it. I like that we have room for the museum and all the other elements that highlight our great history and tradition. And I like that it’s in The Bronx and we were able to stay in our community here. It’s a facility that is worthy of our fans, players and the most successful team in the history of professional sports.

Q: Can you put into words what it has meant to you to be the owner of the New York Yankees?

A: It is a privilege beyond words. I have been honored to be the steward of so much tradition and heritage. There have been great highs and some low spots, but throughout everything there is this great organization and the team that so many people love and root for. They may call me the Boss, but in the end, to succeed as owner of the Yankees, you have to be a servant — a servant to the history and legacy of the Yankees. Owning this team has been the defining challenge and joy of my life.

Q: A message to the people of New York City?

A: On behalf of the Yankees, I’d like to say how glad we are that we could bring the World Series back to New York again. We are proud to represent this city and its people. It is humbling to be a true part of the fabric of New York and its history over the last 100 years.

Our players may come from all over the world, but it is New York that brings them together, and it is the city’s people whose energy they tap. The Yankees couldn’t have become the Yankees anywhere else. We started a new era this year in our new stadium and look forward to sharing many more years and many more memories with our fellow New Yorkers.

steve.serby@nypost.com