Ray Davis, born on October 15, 1941, is a prominent American businessman and a well-known figure in sports ownership. He is the chairman and chief executive officer of Avatar Investments, L.P., a family-owned diversified investment company. However, he is perhaps best known for his involvement with the Texas Rangers, a professional baseball team based in Arlington, Texas.
In August 2010, Davis became a principal owner of the Texas Rangers and took on the role of managing partner. Since then, under his leadership, the Rangers have seen significant success. They have advanced to postseason play six times, won four American League West Division titles, and three American League pennants. In 2023, the Rangers captured their first-ever World Series Championship, bringing home the title to their loyal fan base.
Mr. Davis has presided over a period of unprecedented growth in the franchise, leading the team both on and off the field. One major achievement under his watch was the construction of Globe Life Field, a state-of-the-art baseball stadium with a retractable roof and modern amenities. Opened in March 2020٫ Globe Life Field has not only been the home of the Texas Rangers but has also hosted various major sports and entertainment events٫ including Major League Baseball’s postseason٫ rodeos٫ and concerts.
Outside of the baseball world, Mr. Davis has made significant contributions to the community. The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation, under his guidance, has completed a multi-million dollar endowment to support various community programs. Additionally, the team has invested in player development facilities, including a baseball academy in the Dominican Republic and a housing and meeting facility in Surprise, Arizona.
Throughout his tenure, Mr. Davis has been an active member of Major League Baseball, serving on several committees responsible for shaping the future of the sport. He has also been committed to promoting the game of baseball, especially among young people. The Texas Rangers Youth Academy in West Dallas, supported by the team, provides opportunities for local youth to learn and play baseball.
Off the field, Mr. Davis is a successful businessman with a long and distinguished career in the energy industry. He co-founded Energy Transfer Partners in 1994, a natural gas distributor and pipeline company, and served as its co-chief executive officer and co-chairman until his retirement in 2007.
In recognition of his achievements, Mr. Davis has received numerous accolades and honors. He was named one of Forbes’ billionaires, with a net worth of 2.9 billion USD in 2024.
Ray Davis is a visionary leader who has made a significant impact on the Texas Rangers franchise and the community it serves. Through his business acumen and dedication to excellence, he has positioned the team for continued success both on and off the field.