His father Joe Macko had played and coached in the minor leagues and later worked as the longtime clubhouse manager for the Rangers.

Macko was an All-American at Baylor University and was a key part of the team that made it to the College World Series in 1977.

In 1980, Macko's promising career stalled when he incurred a bad bruise in a collision with Bill Madlock in the first game of a doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates on August 5, 1980.

[3] Madlock slid hard into Macko attempting to break up a double play in the top of the sixth inning.

[4] Macko's family has endowed several scholarships in his name at Baylor University, Bishop Dunne Catholic School, and other institutions.