B.J. Surhoff on Brewers, Orioles and Braves career, plus raising a child with Autism

In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro

B.J. Surhoff grew up in Rye, NY. His dad, Dick, played 2 years in the NBA but his time playing professional fastpitch softball had the most impact on young B.J. who played multiple sports growing up. A standout in baseball, Surhoff was drafted by the Yankees out of high school but decided to play at North Carolina instead. Playing for the Tar Heels from 1983-85, Surhoff was a back-to-back 1st Team All-American, the National Player of the Year, the ACC Male Athlete of the Year and had his jersey retired. During that time, Surhoff also played for the US Olympic team competing in the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. The Milwaukee Brewers drafted Surhoff with the first overall pick in 1985 (ahead of notable MLB players Barry Larkin and Barry Bonds). Surhoff debuted with the Brewers in 1987 with his dad in attendance (it would be the only game Dick would see before passing away the next month). Surhoff played in Milwaukee for 9 years before signing a free agent contract with the Baltimore Orioles. After 10 years, Surhoff finally made the playoffs in 1996 with Baltimore and became an All Star in 1999. He was traded to the Braves in 2000 and signed back with the Orioles in 2003. Surhoff retired after 19 years in the big leagues and was named an Orioles Hall of Famer in 2007. During his career, he and his wife had four children including his son Mason who was diagnosed with autism. While going through the challenges of raising a child with special needs, Surhoff created "Pathfinders for Autism" to help families in the Baltimore area. Surhoff shares his story with us including his time in the minor leagues, his discussions with Brewers Hall of Fame announcer Bob Uecker and the veteran players who helped him in MIlwaukee. Plus, he tells us which honor means the most to him and whether or not coaching might be in his future.