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In memoriam: Art Savage

Art Savage, the owner of the Sacramento River Cats, passed away Saturday.

Art Savage, the owner of the Sacramento River Cats (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), passed away Saturday after collapsing in his home. He was 58.

"The entire River Cats family is shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Art Savage," according to a statement issued by the River Cats. "Art was an extraordinary person whose dedication to his community was only surpassed by his commitment to his own family. All those who were lucky enough to have had their lives touched by Art were far better because of it. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Savage family during this incredibly difficult time."

Savage's experience in the sports world dates back to the 1970s when he worked for Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota North Stars owner George Gund. When Gund sold the North Stars and focused on an expansion NHL team in San Jose, Savage was tabbed to run the San Jose Sharks as president and CEO. In 1998 he bought the Edmonton Trappers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and eventually moved the team Sacramento, where the River Cats have been one of the leading franchises in all of baseball.

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