It is never easy to hear the news of someone close passing away, and when it comes to sports, everyone related to our favorite team becomes a part of our lives. And when we lose someone in that circle, it feels personal. This time, Texas has lost someone personal, as former Texas Rangers owner Tom Hicks has passed away.

The Texas Rangers, while mourning, posted, “We extend our condolences to the family of former owner Tom Hicks, who passed away on Saturday night at the age of 79.”

Tom Hicks shaped Texas sports through ownership of the Stars and Rangers. The Stars won the Stanley Cup in 1999 after beating Buffalo in Game 6. The Rangers won AL West titles in 1998, 1999, and 2010 under his leadership.

His passing leaves a quiet sadness across Dallas sports communities still remember those nights.

The Texas Rangers made major moves during his tenure, including the 2000 contract with Alex Rodriguez. The $252 million deal doubled the previous record and altered the landscape of baseball economics. The team later reached its first World Series in October 2010 after being sold.

In addition to the Rangers, condolences from franchises and executives reflect his influence across sports and business. Jerry Jones called their relationship rooted in respect and years of shared work.

The Stars said his leadership helped create facilities and long-term stability for hockey. Statements from teams and family now sit beside a legacy built over decades.

Tom Hicks leaves a legacy that Texas sports will study and debate forever with reverence. Some will remember trophies, and others will remember the $252 million Alex Rodriguez gamble. Ultimately, Tom Hicks changed teams, cities, and expectations, and that remains undeniable.

Texas fans deal with sadness as they remember Tom Hicks’ legacy

In Texas, sports aren’t just games—they are lifelines, and few have left as big a mark as Tom Hicks. From high-stakes contracts to championship nights, he steered teams with a mix of ambition and unpredictability.

Now, fans feel the emptiness he leaves behind, a quiet reminder that even legends eventually leave the field.

A fan recalled being “blown away” as part of the first fifth-grade class. They admired that someone could have “something as important as a school named after them.” The comment highlights how Tom Hicks’ influence extended beyond sports, impacting education and communities.

Fans continue to mourn, simply saying, “RIP,” to honor his lasting legacy and impact.

A fan wrote, “RIP. Thank you for the Stars Cup,” showing deep gratitude. Tom Hicks signed Brett Hull, whose goal secured Dallas’ 1999 Stanley Cup championship victory.

He moved the team to the American Airlines Center, shaping the Stars’ long-term success and identity. Fans remember those pivotal moves, linking Hicks directly to Dallas hockey’s proudest moments ever.

A fan said, “Tom Hicks was always gracious with me,” recalling his kindness and patience. “No matter what the interview request or silly nonsense I bothered him with,” he added.

They remembered meeting Hicks during the Texas Rangers‘ 2023 World Series run, feeling genuinely appreciated. The fan offered condolences, honoring his thoughtfulness and the lasting impact he had on everyone around him.

A fan offered, “Deepest condolences to the Hicks family,” mourning his passing and legacy. They called him “a visionary businessman who dreamed big for the city of Dallas.”

Hicks’ leadership brought the Stanley Cup to Dallas and shaped the Rangers’ championship chase. The comment highlights his influence, leaving an indelible mark on Texas and global sports.

A fan wrote, “What a wonderful tribute to Tom Hicks,” honoring his lasting influence. They added, “Our hearts go out to his family,” expressing shared grief across fans. Hicks’ impact on the Rangers included signing Alex Rodriguez and transforming team management strategies.

His decisions shaped player development and clubhouse culture, leaving a lasting legacy that extended beyond championships and titles.

Tom Hicks reshaped Texas sports, leaving a legacy no trophy or contract alone could define. In the end, Tom Hicks proved that ownership can alter cities, expectations, and histories forever.