Joe Macko, who has been a staple of the Texas Rangers since the organization moved to Texas, died Thursday morning in Fort Worth at the age of 86.
Macko was a minor-league slugger who took over as the business manager for the Ranges when they moved to Texas in 1971 from Washington. He became the home clubhouse manager the next season and moved to the visiting clubhouse from 1995-2000.
Macko then spent 12 years as the team's goodwill ambassador, making hundreds of appearances.
"The Rangers organization is deeply saddened by today's passing of Joe Macko. Joe was a loyal and dedicated member of this franchise for more than four decades as the team's business manager, home and visiting clubhouse manager, and goodwill ambassador," the club said in a statement. "Joe made hundreds of players feel at home in the home and visiting clubhouses at old Arlington Stadium and the current Globe Life Park in Arlington. In his later years, Joe made numerous public appearances on behalf of the team, and he was the ultimate goodwill ambassador. He spent more than 40 years promoting the Texas Rangers, and we will always be indebted for his exemplary service to the organization. The Rangers extend their deepest sympathies to Joe's son Mike, his daughters Karen and Linda and all of his family and friends at this sad time."
The Rangers dedicated a plaque to Macko in August on the service level at Globe Life Ballpark.
Macko is survived by his son Mike and daughter-in-law Brooke Macko; daughter Karen and son-in-law Josh Wells; daughter Linda and son-in-law Chris Eadler, and two grandchildren.
