Steinbrenner on Hall of Fame ballot

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y., Nov. 8 (UPI) -- New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and Billy Martin, the manager he often hired and fired, are among candidates for a 2011 Baseball Hall of Fame class.

Steinbrenner owned the Yankees from 1973 until his death July 13. His relationship with Martin was one of the most intriguing in baseball. Steinbrenner fired Martin five times -- and perhaps hired him a sixth. At the time of his death in 1989, Martin was reportedly preparing to manage the team in 1990.

Martin managed the Yankees to the 1977 World Series titles, one of seven championships won while Steinbrenner was the team's principal owner.

They are among 12 people being considered for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Expansion Era Committee, which will announce the result of its vote Dec. 6.

Also on the ballot are former players' union leader Marvin Miller, former executive Pat Gillick and players Vida Blue, Dave Concepcion, Steve Garvey, Ron Guidry, Tommy John, Al Oliver, Ted Simmons and Rusty Staub.