MLB

Boss was father figure to many players

For all of George Steinbrenner’s bluster when it came to firing managers, he took an interest in helping fallen players restart their careers, including former Mets heroes Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden.

“We had a very personal relationship,” Strawberry said today on ESPN. “Sometimes that’s what people don’t understand about him – he cares about people.

“He has had a huge impact on me. The thing that I learned from him more than anything is to never quit. That’s what I learned about him. No matter the circumstances, be a fighter, be a winner.”

Strawberry joined the Yankees in 1995 and played sparingly until retiring in 1999, winning World Series in 1996, then in ’98 and ’99 after he was diagnosed with colon cancer.

“He was like the father I never had that encouraged me to be there and when I got knocked down he was there to pick me up,” Strawberry said. “I have nothing but respect and praises for him. I will always be grateful for him for the opportunities to be part of the Yankees family.”

After 11 seasons with the Mets, Gooden returned from a drug-related suspension to pitch a 1996 no-hitter for Steinbrenner’s Yankees.

“He was like a second dad to me,” Gooden said. “He was a great guy, a mentor of mine, a great friend. I could always call him no matter what.

“In ‘96 he gave me a chance to continue my career in New York where a lot of people turned their backs on me at that time. In 2001 when I retired, he gave me a job with the Yankees. He was always in my corner.”

Strawberry also won a World Series with the Mets in 1986 and is an SNY analyst.

“(George) is a die-hard New Yorker. He believes what New York is all about,” Strawberry said.

“(His legacy is) greatness. When people finally look back at what he built for New York Yankees it is remarkable. The impact he’s had on baseball, young people.

“There is a man that is resting in peace today knowing that he took his greatness and gave it back to people to impact them in a positive way.”

Lou Piniella played for the Yankees 1974-84 then managed the team from 1986-88.

“George was like a father figure to me,” said Piniella, now manager of the Cubs. “He treated me well, he treated me fair and he gave me a wonderful opportunity to play and manage the game we all love.

“George will be remembered as one of the most influential and renowned owners of a franchise in sports history. He leaves a legacy of winning and an unwavering passion for success.”

Joe Girardi was hired in 2008 to replace Joe Torre as Steinbrenner’s 23rd and final manager.

“This is a man that I think did not ever get enough credit for the way he cared about people,” Girardi said. “But the way he gave people second chances and third chances, he really tried to makes people’s lives better. I know he changed my life, completely.”

With Kevin Kernan; Brian Costello

Dwight Gooden after his 1996 no-hitter. (NEW YORK POST)