Before joining Atlanta, he spent 22 years with the Kansas City Royals organization, including nine (1982–1990) as the club's general manager.

After entering Major League Baseball with the Baltimore Orioles, Schuerholz joined the United States Army Reserve.

Schuerholz built a strong relationship with Royals owner Ewing Kauffman, but left the team as it began to struggle.

[4] The duo of Schuerholz and Cox produced an unprecedented run of success for the franchise, highlighted by the 1995 World Series Championship.

On October 11, 2007, Schuerholz resigned as the Atlanta Braves general manager, but was promoted to club president, replacing Terry McGuirk.

[13][14] Schuerholz has sent many assistants to general manager positions around the league, including Wren and Braves former GM John Coppolella.

Had the deal gone through the Braves would have sent pitcher Alejandro Pena and outfielder Keith Mitchell to the Pirates in exchange for Barry Bonds.