Astros Rookie Honored with Jersey Retirement Ceremony

Brice Matthews becomes first baseball player to have his jersey retired at his Houston-area high school

Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:47am

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Brice Matthews, an infielder for the Houston Astros, had his jersey retired at Atascocita High School in Humble, Texas on January 30, 2026. Matthews, who made his MLB debut last July, played football and baseball at Atascocita before being drafted by the Astros in the first round in 2023 after a standout college career at the University of Nebraska.

Why it matters

Matthews' jersey retirement at his hometown high school highlights his rapid rise from a relatively unknown prospect to a top Astros minor leaguer and MLB debutant. His story is an inspirational one for young athletes in the Houston area who hope to follow a similar path from their local high school to the professional ranks.

The details

Matthews thanked his teachers, coaches, and the student body at the ceremony, telling the young crowd to "have fun" and "enjoy these moments you won't get back." The 23-year-old was born in New Orleans but grew up in Humble, joining the Astros' Urban Youth Academy at age 9. He excelled at both football and baseball at Atascocita High School, earning Greater Houston Area Infielder of the Year honors as a senior in 2020 before being drafted by the Astros in the first round in 2023 following a standout college career at Nebraska.

  • Matthews made his MLB debut with the Astros on July 11, 2025.
  • Matthews' jersey retirement ceremony took place on January 30, 2026.

The players

Brice Matthews

A 23-year-old infielder for the Houston Astros who had his jersey retired by Atascocita High School, his hometown high school in Humble, Texas.

Will Bolt

The head coach of the University of Nebraska baseball team, where Matthews played for three seasons before being drafted by the Astros in the first round in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“You guys, have fun, enjoy these moments you won't get back...don't be afraid to ask questions.”

— Brice Matthews

“To be honest, I wasn't as good as I thought I was at that point in time. And me going to Nebraska was the best decision I ever made, just because it was so far from home. I had to become independent. I'm normally a homebody and like to be home all day. So doing those things on my own and just learning how to grow up and be a man away from home, it was the best decision for me.”

— Brice Matthews

What’s next

Matthews will enter the 2026 season as the Astros' top prospect and is expected to compete for a starting job in Spring Training.

The takeaway

Brice Matthews' rapid rise from a relatively unknown high school prospect to a first-round MLB draft pick and major league debutant is an inspiring story for young athletes in the Houston area. His jersey retirement at Atascocita High School is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and serves as motivation for the next generation of local talent.