Tampa lawyer pens Yankees book

Steve Yerrid, one of Tampa's most powerful trial lawyers, loves the New York Yankees so much he has published his own inspirational book on the perennial baseball team.

“The Making of a Championship Heart” was released May 14 at Barnes & Noble in Carrollwood. The $59.95 hardback volume contains color photos of Yankees players past and present. Many of the photos were never previously released, and the book is interspersed with quotes from Yankees players and others who speak of courage, winning, attitude, challenge and confidence.

Yerrid, who was longtime friends with team owner George Steinbrenner, who died last July shortly after turning 80, examines the championship traditions of the Yankees organization and players, and how those traits can influence people in all walks of life. The book focuses on 18 key components often found in champions.

“To me, there is no greater championship heart than the one that beats for the betterment of others,” Yerrid states in the book's dedication. “It is my fervent hope that this work will be of some value in that pursuit.”

Yerrid's foundation supports a number of charitable causes, namely those seeking to help children. He is pledging 25% of the net proceeds from each book sold to pediatric cancer charities.

An avid sports fan, Yerrid published a similar book after the Tampa Bay Lightning won the 2004 Stanley Cup. He previously authored “When Justice Prevails,” a non-fiction work detailing some of his most significant courtroom trials.