August 4: Happy Bday Riggo And BJ

Happy birthday John Riggins. What more can I say about my favorite football player of all time? He’s a hall of famer, leads the Redskins in every all-time rushing category and raised hell with the best of them. I can’t believe he’s 60 years old today. I know he could jump on a field right now and get a TD from the 1 yard line or get 3 yards on a 3rd and 2. I will have a beer for you tonight Riggo. Happy 60th Mr. Riggins!

Happy birthday BJ Surhoff. BJ played 8 seasons over 2 separate stints with the Orioles, 1996-2000 and 03-05. He ranks in the top 25 all-time in almost every offensive statistic in the history of the Orioles and was inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame in 2007. For his career BJ batted .282 with 2,326 hits and 1,153 RBI’s. I love the way BJ played the game. He was a hardnosed ballplayer who could play any position. He was the #1 overall draft pick in the 1985 draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. He was also the 1985 ACC Male Athlete of the Year, sandwiched between 1984 winner Michael Jordan, and 1985 winner Len Bias. BJ has been busy in his retirement. He was a spring training instructor for the O’s in 2008 and traveled to China with Cal in to 2007 to instruct children how to play baseball. He’s also the Vice President of Pathfinders for Autism and has spent many years trying to help in the fight against the disorder that his son Mason was diagnosed with. I had the opportunity to meet BJ and have him as one of my coaches at the Ripken Fantasy Camp. He’s a great guy and I think he’d make an awesome hitting coach or manager one day (if he wants to.) Happy 45th Mr. Surhoff… (I won’t drop any more fly balls!)


Happy birthday Ravin Caldwell. Ravin spent 6 of his 7 NFL seasons with the Redskins from 1987-1993. He was a linebacker and special teams standout. Ravin appeared in 79 games, starting 14 and won 2 Super Bowl rings during his tenure. One of the highlights of my many trips to Redskins Park as a youth was watching highlights of the 87’ Super Bowl in the locker room area with Ravin and Reggie Branch. Ravin’s daughter was one of the top ranked women’s high school basketball players last year and will play for Cal this fall. Happy 46th Mr. Caldwell.

Happy birthday Jon Knott. There’s not much to say about Jon, he played a total of 7 games with the O’s in 2007. But, Jon was born in my hometown of Manassas, VA…and that earns him a happy birthday. Jon is still plugging along in the Independent League, making a living playing ball. Happy 31st Mr. Knott.

Cheers and Hail