Ron Schueler embarked on his professional baseball journey as a pitcher, making his Major League Baseball debut with the Atlanta Braves in 1972. Over the course of his playing career, Schueler also took the mound for the Philadelphia Phillies, Minnesota Twins, and Chicago White Sox. His tenure as a player spanned nearly a decade, concluding in 1979. During this period, Schueler was known for his right-handed pitching and contributed to his teams as a reliable arm in the bullpen and starting rotation.

After hanging up his cleats, Schueler transitioned into a front-office role, where he found a new avenue to influence the game. He joined the Oakland Athletics as a pitching coach and later served as a scout. His keen eye for talent and understanding of the game led him to the Chicago White Sox, where he took on the role of general manager in 1990. Schueler's tenure as GM lasted until 2000, during which he was responsible for overseeing player acquisitions, trades, and the overall strategic direction of the team.

Under Schueler's management, the White Sox experienced a period of rebuilding and growth. He was instrumental in assembling a roster that would eventually lead the team to success in the early 2000s. Schueler's ability to identify and develop talent was evident in the players he brought into the organization, many of whom became integral parts of the team's future achievements.