On Saturday, former Texas Rangers owner Tom Hicks passed away, leaving behind a legacy of more than a decade at the helm. 

"Mr. Hicks was a passionate and competitive owner and Texas Rangers fan," the team said in a statement on Sunday. "The club extends its thoughts and prayers to Mr. Hicks’ wife Cinda, his six children and his entire family as they mourn a legendary Texas businessman, philanthropist, and sportsman." 

Hicks, 79, owned the Rangers from 1998-2010, and succeeded the former ownership group featuring Tom Schieffer and Edward W. Rose that briefly featured George W. Bush as the leader of the group before he left to pursue political ventures. Hicks purchased the team for $250 million. 

Hicks enjoyed several high points in his ownership role, which included winning the American League West during his first two seasons. He was also responsible for awarding a young Alex Rodriguez the largest baseball contract at the time of 10 years, $252 million.  

Hicks’ decision to award that much money to Rodriguez was met with criticism by many who believed he was placing too much stake in one player rather than allocating the money to benefit the team on a wider scale. In some ways, A-Rod ended up being worth the investment, as he provided outstanding production. However, it never led to team success, and Rodriguez was traded to the New York Yankees following the 2003 season. 

While things did not work out with Rodriguez, the return in the trade for him featured Alfonso Soriano, who went on to form one of the best offensive infields in the league with Mark Teixeira and others. In Hicks’ last season, the Rangers won another American League West title and went to the World Series for the first time in franchise history. 

Hicks faced financial problems that led to an agreement to sell the club to a group headed by team president and former Rangers star pitcher Nolan Ryan on Jan 22, 2010. It is estimated that by May 2010, Hicks Sports Group had incurred an estimated debt of $575 million. 

Despite trouble behind the scenes, Hicks’ last year as owner was a swan song to remember. Texas went on to win the AL West again and defeat the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees en route to its first World Series appearance in franchise history. 

Hicks made a positive impact on those around him, including Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. 

“Being shoulder to shoulder with him was always about more than ballparks and stadiums, though," Jones said in a statement. "It was about personal respect, trust and friendship. We shared a lot of miles together, and I'll miss him greatly. My heart goes out to his family." 

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