Bronx, NY (Best E Casino) - Major League Baseball owners approved a shift of control of the New York Yankees from George Steinbrenner to his son Hal on Thursday.

Steinbrenner's sons, Hank and Hal, had been named co-chairpersons of the team last April after taking over the day-to-day operations of the Yankees following the 2007 campaign.

Hal Steinbrenner, who will be the liaison between the Commissioner's Office and the team, has handled the financial operations of the club in the past year, while his brother Hank turned into the team's mouthpiece, overseeing general manager Brian Cashman and the baseball operations.

At 78, George Steinbrenner's health has reportedly declined over the past few years. His last public appearance came at last year's All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, as he delivered the balls for the ceremonial first pitches from a golf cart. However, he was not on hand for the team's final game in the park.

George Steinbrenner has been the principal owner of the Yankees since 1973 with the team winning six World Series titles during his reign.