George Steinbrenner Dies at 80

George Steinbrenner(July 4, 1930 – July 13, 2010) died today after suffering a massive heart attack.

George Steinbrenner, best known as the owner of the New York Yankees, got his start in shipping.

In 1957, Steinbrenner joined Kinsman Marine Transit Company, his father's Great Lakes shipping company, and worked hard to successfully revitalize the company, which was suffering through difficult market conditions. In its return to profitability, Kinsman emphasized grain shipments over ore. George eventually purchased the company from his father in 1973 and served as chief operating officer and primary owner of the now Tampa, FL based, American Shipbuilding Company until his death.

Forbes estimated his net worth at $1.1 billion in May 2010. The Vast majority of net worth made up by YES Network: regional cable channel broadcasts the Bronx Bombers to New York City and beyond.