RyeGPT People of Note is a series highlighting individuals who have a connection to the City of Rye. In the series we use artificial intelligence to prepare a biography and explain the individual’s connection to Rye.
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We’re profiling B.J. Surhoff this weekend as the baseball world’s attention turns to the 2026 World Series, which opened Friday night — a fitting moment to revisit the career of a hometown player who spent 19 seasons in the majors after starring at Rye High School.
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.
