Chat Reel: B.J. Surhoff
Orioles outfielder comments on All-Star Game, playoffs
Posted: Friday July 16, 1999 05:19 PM
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Surhoff: 'We have to get on some type of roll. We've been playing more solid lately. If we're going to go on a roll, we're going to need better pitching.' Jamie Squire/Allsport |
Orioles outfielder and first-time All-Star B.J. Surhoff joined
CNN/SI users for a chat recently. A transcript follows:
CNNSI_Host: Welcome, B.J., and
congratulations on your All-Star appearance.
Brian from Severn, Md.: How did it
feel to be in the homerun derby vs. the two Homerun kings?
B.J. Surhoff: It was a good time. The hard part
was waiting for your turn to hit. I enjoyed myself.
John from Milton Keynes, UK: All
O's fans were really glad you got into the All-Star game, you deserved it.
Which part of being an All-Star did you enjoy the most?
B.J. Surhoff: Just getting selected. All the
experience was a good time since there was so much going on. This one was
really special with the players of the century and Williams and Yaz being
there. It was just a good time.
From Guest32092: Any comment on the
umpire situation?
B.J. Surhoff:
I haven't really gotten into it at all. I tried to stay of it. It's
between the owners and the umpires.
From swing_batta: What was the
atmosphere at Fenway when Ted Williams and the rest of the best came out?
B.J. Surhoff: It was an
electric atmosphere. There was a huge buzz in the crowd.
CNNSI_Host: From Guest17194: BJ
What have you changed to improve your batting average?
B.J. Surhoff: Been a little more consistent.
Haven't really changed anything. I haven't had a down period yet.
From MussinaFan: Which pitcher do
you usually struggle against?
B.J. Surhoff:
There are certain guys you think you hit well against but can't
do much. I don't have any really off the top of my head.
Craig from Kenosha, Wis.: What is
your favorite memory as a Milwaukee Brewer and how do your experiences
playing for the Orioles compare to playing for the Brewers?
B.J. Surhoff: I had so many in Milwaukee. Robin
Yount's 3,000th hit stands out. I had nine good years there. It's a little
different situation in Baltimore, playing a different position. B.J.
Surhoff: I'm not just breaking in. The team is under a little
more scrutiny compared to Milwaukee
From Guest02943: What's your take on
the softball scores in baseball this year? Is the pitching talent too
diluted?
B.J. Surhoff: I don't
really get involved in that. When the lineups are stocked more, you get a
lot more offense. Guys are falling behind the count a bit too much. Today's
parks are a little more hitter-friendly than in the past.
From AndyHugeOriolesFan: How did it
feel playing in the 1997 ALCS?
B.J.
Surhoff: It was a great experience except for the fact we lost.
We felt really good about our chances, we had a chance to go up to 2-0 and
didn't it. An odd thing happened that went against us. It was really
exciting it was just too bad we were on the short end.
From Headfirst: We hear lots of
things, all conflicting, but what's Albert Belle like
inside the clubhouse?
B.J. Surhoff:
A lot is made of Albert. I've had no problems with him, as well as the
rest of the clubhouse. He's a lot more at ease with us than with the media.
He's under a lot of scrutiny.
From PUERTORICO: What is Baltimore
focusing on more this next half of the season...pitching or offense??
B.J. Surhoff: The focus always needs
to be a pitching. If we're going to make a run, our starters and bullpen
are going to have pitch as well as they have as of late.
From Guest83854: B.J: How does it
feel to play at Camden Yards?
B.J. Surhoff:
It's a great place to play. We have big crowds every night.
It's a wonderful atmosphere. It's probably the premiere park in baseball.
Very fan and player friendly.
From Bob1963: Growing up what teams
did you root for?
B.J. Surhoff:
I grew up in New York, so I was a Yankee fan growing up.
From MussinaFan: Is there a specific
reason your number is 17?
B.J. Surhoff:
No. The number I wore in Milwaukee was 5--that's retired here.
I wore 9 in college -- Brady Anderson had
that.
From Chris: What advice would you
give younger players?
B.J. Surhoff:
Work on your game all the time. Try to improve every day.
From Guest89738: Who do you admire
in baseball?
B.J. Surhoff: a
lot of guys -- the guys who play every day and give all they can. There are
a lot of players.
From Guest74981: How has playing
with the legend Cal Ripken affected your play?
B.J. Surhoff: He's one person I admire and
learn from. I've had a lot of conversations with situations in the game
with him. I enjoy playing with him and get along with him very well.
Brad from Smithfield, Va.: I was
wondering what you consider your natural position to be: outfield, third
base, or catcher? Thanks, and good luck the rest of the season.
B.J. Surhoff: Tough question. Now it's
the outfield. I feel very comfortable in the OF.
From Kimaire: Do you know how is Cal
doing after getting hit last night?
B.J.
Surhoff: I have not heard yet.
Hershey from L.A.: Do you think the
O's can turn the season around?
B.J.
Surhoff: Yeah I do. We can't do it all in one day or one week.
We have to get on some type of roll. We've been playing more solid lately.
If we're going to go on a roll, we're going to need better pitching.
CNNSI_Host: Thanks so much for
stopping in, B.J.... good luck in the second half of the season, and we
hope to have you back.
B.J. Surhoff:
Thanks. Take care.
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