President George W. Bush was owner of what sports team?

Before his time in the Oval Office, George W. Bush was a prominent figure in the world of professional baseball, serving as an owner and managing general partner of the Texas Rangers. In April 1989, Bush spearheaded a group of investors who purchased a controlling interest in the Major League Baseball team. While his personal investment was a relatively small portion of the overall $89 million sale, he quickly became the public face of the franchise.

Bush's tenure with the Rangers was marked by his active involvement, including regularly attending games and engaging with fans. He was particularly instrumental in the development and funding of the team's new stadium, The Ballpark in Arlington, which opened in 1994. This highly visible role allowed Bush to build a public profile and gain valuable business experience, which proved beneficial for his burgeoning political career.

His passion for baseball was well-known, stemming from a lifelong love of the sport. Bush remained with the team until 1998, when he sold his shares for a substantial profit, reportedly over $15 million, just before launching his successful campaign for governor of Texas. His ownership of the Texas Rangers provided a unique chapter in his life before he ascended to the highest office in the nation.