Tom Hicks, who owned the Texas Rangers during a successful era, died on Saturday at age 79. The Rangers issued a statement honoring his passion as an owner and fan. He is survived by his wife Cinda and their six children.
Tom Hicks, a prominent Texas businessman and philanthropist, passed away on Saturday at the age of 79. He owned the Texas Rangers from June 1998 to August 2010, a period marked by significant achievements for the franchise.
Under Hicks' ownership, the Rangers won the American League West in each of his first two seasons, including a club-record 95 wins in 1999. He played a key role in building the team's front office, facilitating the hirings of general manager Jon Daniels in 2005, manager Ron Washington in 2007, and team president Nolan Ryan in 2008. These moves contributed to the Rangers' American League pennant wins in 2010 and 2011, the franchise's first two World Series appearances.
One of the highlights of Hicks' tenure came in December 2000, when the Rangers signed Alex Rodriguez to a groundbreaking 10-year, $252 million contract—the largest in American professional sports at the time.
Off the field, Hicks oversaw developments like the opening of Riders Field, home to the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders, and a partnership for the Surprise Recreation Complex in Arizona.
The Rangers released a statement on Sunday: "Mr. Hicks was a passionate and competitive owner and Texas Rangers fan." The club extended thoughts and prayers to his wife Cinda, their six children, and his family, describing him as a legendary Texas sportsman.
Hicks also owned the NHL's Dallas Stars from 1995 to 2011, during which they won the Stanley Cup in 1999.