Baseball fans and New Yorkers – and I proudly claim to fit both descriptions – were deeply saddened to learn of the death of George Steinbrenner, iconic owner of the New York Yankees, on July 13.

When influential figures pass away, my tendency is to immediately scan media channels for quotes about the deceased. In this case, such fitting tributes were easy to find about “The Boss” (no offense, Springsteen).

One statement, however, resonated more than most. Philadelphia ...