RyeGPT People of Note: Baseball Player B.J. Surhoff
RyeGPT People of Note is a series highlighting individuals who have a connection to the City of Rye. In the series we ask OpenAI’s ChatGPT to prepare a biography and explain the individual’s connection to Rye.
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William James “B.J.” Surhoff, born on August 4, 1964, in the Bronx, New York, is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) player renowned for his versatility on the field. Over an 18-year career, Surhoff played every position except pitcher.
Surhoff’s formative years were spent in Rye, New York, where he attended and graduated from Rye High School in 1982. During his time there, he excelled in multiple sports, notably making a lasting impression in baseball. His athletic prowess led to his selection by the New York Yankees in the fifth round of the 1982 MLB June Amateur Draft. However, Surhoff chose to further develop his skills and education by enrolling at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
At North Carolina, Surhoff’s baseball career flourished. He earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors three times and was recognized as a two-time first-team All-American. His impressive .392 career batting average set a school record that stood until 2009. In 1984, Surhoff represented the United States on its inaugural Olympic baseball team, showcasing his talents on an international stage.
In the 1985 MLB Draft, Surhoff was the first overall pick, selected by the Milwaukee Brewers. He made his MLB debut on April 8, 1987, with the Brewers, where he initially played as a catcher before transitioning to other positions, including third base and left field. Throughout his career, Surhoff also played for the Baltimore Orioles and the Atlanta Braves. His most notable season came in 1999 with the Orioles, during which he led the American League in at-bats, ranked second in hits, and earned a spot on the All-Star team. In 2010, Surhoff was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame.
Surhoff’s connection to Rye, New York, remained significant throughout his life. His father, Dick Surhoff, a former NBA player, is interred at Greenwood Union Cemetery in Rye.
Today, Surhoff resides in Cockeysville, Maryland, with his wife, Polly, and their four children. He serves as the president of Pathfinders for Autism, a support organization for families with autistic children.
Being from Westchester I always followed the local athletes careers, I remember BJ well. tough competitor, excellent player. I also remember his father Dick the most accomplished windmill pitcher in the area.
I was a seven-year-old bat boy for the Rye team in the 1981 Rye Recreation tournament, a team that B.J. Surhoff played on. I remember him being very kind to this aspiring baseball player. I had the bat boy opportunity thanks to the generosity of Ralph Vellone, a Commissioner of the event who recently passed and was recognized on this website. Thank you to Ralph, B.J., and all the other contributors who made playing baseball in Rye a joy.
I had the unique pleasure of knowing BJ and his Dad. Every teenager who grew up in Rye in the 1960’s, knew Dick Surhoff. Not only for his sports prowess as a former NBA player and Semi-Pro Fast Pitch Softball pitcher, but even more for his commitment to the Rye Recreation Center and all that organization did for Rye Youth. I played ball with Dick and can testify that he was an awesome athlete and softball pitcher. His gruff voice and massive size belied his kind heart and personable demeanor. He helped me in many ways to go on to play College ball. Professionally, as President and General Manager of Comcast Sports in the Baltimore Washington Area, I got to know BJ during his time with the O’s…a fine young man, a credit to his dad and also a great athlete.