TAMPA, Fla. (AP) – George Steinbrenner’s daughter filed divorce papers this week against husband Steve Swindal, the designated future head of the New York Yankees.

Jennifer Swindal filed the papers Tuesday in Hillsborough County Circuit Court’s family law department, Yankees spokesman Howard Rubenstein said Wednesday. Rubenstein said the papers cited “irreconcilable differences.”

“Steve and Jenny Swindal announced today that they are amicably ending their marriage of 23 years,” Rubenstein said in a statement. “Although their marriage is dissolving, they remain friends and maintain a strong mutual respect. They are devoted to their two children and will make them their shared focus.”

Swindal was arrested by St. Petersburg police at about 4:30 a.m. on Feb. 15 and charged with driving under the influence, a misdemeanor. He pleaded not guilty on March 15, and a pretrial hearing is scheduled for April 5 at South County Traffic Court in St. Petersburg. Swindal, who is 52, was weaving and driving 61 mph in a 35 mph zone when he was pulled over, police spokesman Bill Proffitt said shortly after the arrest.

Swindal said the following week that he felt embarrassed, and when asked whether his status with the team would change, Swindal responded: “Hopefully, not.” Asked whether he still viewed himself as Steinbrenner’s successor, Swindal replied: “I can’t answer that other than it would be speculation.”

Steinbrenner, who has hardly spoken publicly during spring training, didn’t reply to questions as he walked past reporters before Wednesday night’s exhibition game against Houston.

In June 2005, Steinbrenner said Swindal eventually would succeed him as head of the Yankees. Swindal currently is a Yankees general partner and chairman of Yankee Global Enterprises LLC.

Steinbrenner has four children. Son Harold Steinbrenner is executive vice president and treasurer of Yankee Global Enterprises LLC and Hank Steinbrenner is a senior vice president of the team. Felix Lopez, married to daughter Jessica Steinbrenner, is a team senior vice president.

Jessica Steinbrenner, along with Lopez, were among a group of people with Steinbrenner in the Legends Field dining room.

Swindal also heads a group competing for the franchise to operate thoroughbred racing in New York.

AP-ES-03-28-07 1923EDT