learn the story behind why Kimble Schuessler reps his number for Texas Baseball
Kimble Schuessler’s connection to Texas Baseball is one that blends athletic achievement, personal commitment, and a deep sense of tribute and honor. Schuessler’s decision to represent his number—specifically, the number he wore throughout his playing days at the University of Texas—holds far more significance than just a figure on a jersey. It is a legacy marked by teamwork, inspiration, and the celebration of one of Texas’ most treasured athletes. To fully appreciate why Kimble Schuessler represents this number, we must first explore the man himself, the challenges he faced, and how his influence continues to resonate in the Texas Baseball community.
Kimble Schuessler’s story begins in the small town of Lake Jackson, Texas, where he was born and raised. He grew up playing sports and quickly developed a passion for baseball. Schuessler’s talent and work ethic on the field made him a standout player even at an early age. His time at Brazoswood High School in Lake Jackson saw him evolve from a talented prospect into a true leader. The skills he honed on the high school field, combined with his dedication to improving, would pave the way for his future in collegiate baseball.
When Schuessler committed to the University of Texas, he was following in the footsteps of many greats who had donned the iconic burnt orange and white colors. Texas Baseball has long been known as one of the most successful programs in NCAA history, and Schuessler quickly realized the weight of representing such a prestigious institution. The pressure to excel at a school with a legacy like Texas’ was considerable, but Schuessler embraced it with a sense of pride and determination.
At the University of Texas, Schuessler became a key member of the Texas Longhorns baseball team. He earned a reputation not only for his athletic skills but for his leadership on and off the field. His role in the team’s success as a starting pitcher and his presence in the locker room made him a respected figure. Texas Baseball, under the guidance of legendary coach Augie Garrido, was consistently competitive during this period, and Schuessler played a vital role in helping the Longhorns maintain their elite status.
It is important to note that Kimble Schuessler wore the number 23 during his time with the Texas Longhorns. This number, while seemingly arbitrary, carried deep personal significance for Schuessler. The number 23 was not just a jersey number—it represented the legacy of the Texas Baseball program, the tradition of the players who came before him, and his own personal connection to the team.
But the number 23 would become even more significant after an event that would forever shape Schuessler’s understanding of teamwork, sacrifice, and community.
In 1999, during Schuessler’s time with the Longhorns, Texas Baseball experienced a tragedy that shook the entire program. The team lost one of their own—outfielder, and Schuessler’s close friend, Brent Strom, who tragically passed away. Strom’s passing was a devastating blow to the Texas Baseball family. He had been an important player for the Longhorns and was well-regarded not just for his talent on the field but for his infectious personality and leadership qualities. Strom’s untimely death left a void that was impossible to fill.
In the wake of the tragedy, Schuessler and his teammates rallied around the memory of their friend. In honor of Brent Strom, the team made a collective decision to wear the number 23 in his memory. The number was no longer just associated with any individual player but had taken on a deeper meaning, representing the spirit of the Longhorns as a team, as a family, and as a group bound by shared experience and loss.
Schuessler’s decision to continue wearing the number 23 after Strom’s death was a personal one. He knew that by doing so, he would be carrying forward the legacy of his friend and the spirit of the Texas Baseball program. Wearing the number 23 became a way for Schuessler to honor not only Brent Strom’s memory but also the values of friendship, dedication, and sacrifice that were central to Texas Baseball.
For Schuessler, wearing number 23 was a daily reminder that baseball was not just a game—it was about connection. It was about building relationships, learning from those around you, and pushing yourself to be better every day, for the team and for those you cared about.
One of the unique elements of Schuessler’s journey with Texas Baseball was the mentorship he received throughout his career. Schuessler often spoke about how his time at Texas was defined by not just playing the game but by the relationships he built with coaches, teammates, and alumni. These mentors helped Schuessler evolve into a well-rounded athlete and person.
Augie Garrido, the legendary head coach of Texas Baseball, played a crucial role in Schuessler’s development. Garrido’s leadership style emphasized discipline, mental toughness, and the importance of understanding the bigger picture—skills that Schuessler would carry with him throughout his life. Garrido’s commitment to helping his players grow not only as athletes but as individuals had a lasting impact on Schuessler.
Moreover, Schuessler found a deep sense of family in the Texas Baseball program. The bonds forged during his time with the Longhorns were ones that transcended the field. These relationships were based on mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose. In many ways, Schuessler’s experience at Texas was defined by his connection to his teammates, many of whom would go on to achieve success at the professional level.
Today, Kimble Schuessler’s number 23 remains a symbol of commitment, friendship, and legacy within the Texas Baseball community. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who came before and the importance of honoring that legacy for future generations.
Schuessler’s connection to Texas Baseball is not just a matter of numbers or statistics. It is about the story behind the number, the bond with teammates, and the impact of a community united in the love of the game. Schuessler’s number 23 represents the resilience and strength of the Texas Baseball program—one that continues to inspire young athletes to pursue excellence both on and off the field.
In the years following his time as a player, Schuessler has remained a vital part of the Texas Baseball family. Whether through his involvement with alumni events or through his mentorship of current players, Schuessler has continued to give back to the program that gave him so much. His influence extends beyond the diamond, as he is often sought after for his insights into what it means to be part of such a storied tradition.
The meaning of Schuessler’s number 23 is also passed on to new generations of players who look up to those who came before them. The story of Brent Strom, and the decision to honor his memory with the number 23, is now part of the larger Texas Baseball narrative. Players who wear that number are reminded of the importance of respect, brotherhood, and the deep sense of duty that comes with wearing the Longhorns jersey.
Kimble Schuessler’s decision to represent the number 23 is more than just a tribute to a fallen friend. It is a representation of the core values that define Texas Baseball—legacy, teamwork, commitment, and sacrifice. Schuessler’s journey with the Longhorns has become a testament to the power of community, the importance of honoring the past, and the ongoing responsibility to carry that legacy forward.
By wearing number 23, Schuessler not only honors the memory of his friend Brent Strom but also ensures that the spirit of Texas Baseball will continue to inspire and unite future generations of athletes. His legacy, embodied in that number, will forever be intertwined with the history of one of the most successful and respected baseball programs in college sports.
