Mr. Steinbrenner loomed large in ads, too

George Steinbrenner was the last of the old-school sports owners: larger than life, outspoken, controversial. He was also the first of a new breed to emerge in the '70s: hyperfocused and shrewd, intensely involved in the day-to-day machinations of his beloved New York Yankees and willing to spend whatever it took to win. As a slew of multimillionaire players from Reggie Jackson to A-Rod can attest, no price was too high. The World Series rings on their fingers—seven total under King George's reign—bear tribute to his battle plan.