JOHNNIES HONOR SURHOFF WITH HALL of FAME EXHIBIT

The Johnstown Johnnies announced today they have honored former Johnnies outfielder B. J. Surhoff in commemorating the team’s initial Hall of Fame exhibit in the Mid-West Baseball League’s (MWBL) Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.  The exhibit is designed to acknowledge contributions to the MWBL by League Franchises; Players; and/or Significant Events that may have occurred during a Franchises history in the MWBL.

Surhoff was acknowledged for his contribution to the Johnnies inaugural MWBL campaign in 2000, most specifically, his 28 game hitting streak which fell 3 games short of the league record of 31 games held by Dante Bichette in 1997.

Surhoff played in every game for the Johnnies during the 2000 season, the Franchises first in the MWBL.  But, it was his 28 Game Hitting Streak during the first half of the season that first brought significant media and fan attention to the club.  “It was fairly early in the season and we were a new, unknown commodity in the MWBL”, stated owner Johnnie Garza.  “The Streak”, as Garza likes to call it, “brought a lot of attention to our club, players, and fans alike, from all around the league.  I remember the feeling around the club house, in the offices, on the field, everywhere, was one of excitement.  Everyone was real proud, especially of B. J.  The place was a madhouse.  Hell, all these smooth talk’n sportswriters kept hang ‘in around and almost took over the place.  Even the Commissioner himself showed up for an important series against the Chicago Mobsters*.”

    “I have real fond memories of that season, not so much because of the Streak, but because it was my best season in the MWBL.  I really felt like I was contributing something positive everyday to the team.  The only real negative I felt about the Hitting Streak was the individual attention it was creating.  I mean, I liked the attention and all, but I wanted the focus to be on the team, not on myself.  I remember about 20 games or so into the Streak, we beat Columbus on the road.  We scored 20 runs that game, but the next day all anyone wanted to talk about was the Hitting Streak”, stated Surhoff.  “I was a little uncomfortable with that”.

“We were all behind him”, stated teammate Mike Piazza.  “It’s great when a guy is in a grove like that.  Everyone wants to know what he’s doing so they can try it, you know, like looking for some magic spray or something to put on your bat”.  “It’s a lot of pressure”, stated Johnnies veteran outfielder Bernie Williams.  “But B. J. handled it very well.  He remained himself throughout; it didn’t seem to bother him at all.  He more than deserves this honor”.

Surhoff’s Streak began in the Johnnies 21^st game of the season, on April 26, 2000, in the 4^th game of a home stand against the Young Street Stalkers.  It ended on May 26, 2000, on the road against the Oregon Neon Knights, some 31 days later.  Embedded within the Hitting Steak was another, lesser known accomplishment for Surhoff, when he set the then MWBL record for consecutive games hitting a Home Run.  Surhoff clouted Home Runs in 6 consecutive games beginning May 19, 2000 against Chicago until May 24, 2000 against Oregon.  A month and a half later some slightly more renowned power hitter named McGwire would tie the Surhoff’ Homer Streak with 6 homers of his own.  “Mark teases me about that to this day”, stated Surhoff.  “I told him I had to raise the bar a little in order to give him something to shoot for”.  Indeed, McGwire went on to hit 73 Home Runs in 2000 for the East Erie Lake Storm.  “Yeah, Beej gave me motivation”, quipped a smiling McGwire.

Surhoff came to the Johnnies as part of MWBL’s Dispersal Draft prior to the 2000 season.  He was selected by the Johnnies with the 21^st pick of the draft, so maybe it was no fluke that his Streak began in the Johnnies 21^st game of existence.  “We wanted some veteran leadership on the team to set an example for the youngsters”, stated Garza.  “B. J. is a great role model for the guys coming up.  He sets a great example for them to follow”.

Surhoff entered the Streak with a .278 Batting Average.  At the Steaks end, he was batting .340.  He collected 47 hits during the Streak, 10 of which were Home Runs and drove home 35 RBI’s.  The Surhoff batting average during the 28 games of the Streak was .379.  Despite all his efforts, the Johnnies did not benefit immensely from Surhoff’s Streak, posting a 15-13 record during the 28 games and went on to finish the season 71-91.

Surhoff’s Streak came to an end on May 26, 2000 at Oregon against the Knights Curt Schilling.  “I remember he was real tough that day”, stated Surhoff.  “I knew it wouldn’t last forever.  I just tried to stretch it out as long as I could.  It was a lot of fun while it lasted.  I’m Thankful for the experience and the support of my teammates.  And, the Johnstown fans have been so kind to me.  I’m glad to see they’re enjoying this as much as I am, probably more.  I’m also very grateful to the Johnnies for the opportunity they gave me to play, and especially this recognition as part of their Hall of Fame exhibit.  This is awesome”.

B. J. Surhoff’s 2000 Season with the Johnstown Johnnies

“The Streak” April 26, 2000 to May 25, 2000

What “The Steak” meant to Surhoff’s 2000 Season
(2000 totals minus Streak totals)