On this day in 1964, William James "B.J." Surhoff was born in the Bronx, New York. After playing in college at the University of North Carolina Surhoff was selected by the Brewers with the #1 overall pick in the 1985 draft, and two years later he was a full-time major leaguer: He played in 115 games in 1987 and hit .299/.350/.423 while playing primarily at catcher. Shockingly, he didn't even receive votes for Rookie of the Year: A's first baseman Mark McGwire ran away with the award.
Surhoff might be better remembered nationally for his time as an Oriole or Brave, but he played 1102 over nine seasons as a Brewer. His best season in Milwaukee was his final one in 1995, when he hit .320/.378/.492 over 117 games while splitting time between five defensive positions.
Surhoff remains among the Brewer career leaders in hits (eighth), doubles (ninth) and games played (tenth).
Surhoff turns 47 today. With help from Brewerfan.net and the B-Ref Play Index, we'd also like to wish a happy birthday to:
- Wisconsin Timber Rattler Casey Medlen, who turns 22.
- AZL Brewer Mike Francisco, who turns 23.
- Brevard County Manatee Hiram Burgos, who turns 24.
- 2007 Brewer Scott Linebrink, who turns 35.
- 1993-94 Brewer Troy O'Leary, who turns 42.
- Seattle Pilot and 1970 Brewer Bob Meyer, who turns 72.
- Seattle Pilot Ray Oyler, who would have turned 73.