Jim Crane is a significant figure in baseball, known both for his past as a college player and his current role as a Major League Baseball owner.

Born on January 17, 1954, Crane was a standout pitcher for the University of Central Missouri (formerly Central Missouri State University) from 1973 to 1976. He compiled a career record of 21-8 with a 2.42 ERA and holds school records for career complete games (23) and shutouts (7), and is third all-time in career strikeouts (215). He was inducted into the Central Missouri Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2017 for his playing career and contributions to the university's baseball program. The baseball field at the university is named the James R. Crane/Robert N. Tompkins Field in his honor due to his substantial donations.

After a successful career in logistics and freight, founding companies like Eagle USA Airfreight (later EGL, Inc.) and Crane Worldwide Logistics, Crane made his most prominent contribution to professional baseball in 2011 when he led an investment group to purchase the Houston Astros. As owner and chairman, he has overseen a significant transformation of the franchise, leading the team to two World Series championships (2017, 2022). He is also known for his philanthropic efforts through the Astros Foundation, supporting community initiatives and youth baseball development.