Ted Simmons
Ted Simmons (born August 9, 1949) is an American former professional baseball catcher who played 21 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1968 to 1988, primarily as a switch-hitting offensive force for the St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, and Atlanta Braves.[1][2][3] Drafted tenth overall by the Cardinals in the 1967 MLB Draft out of Southfield High School in Southfield, Michigan, where he excelled in both baseball and football, Simmons made his MLB debut at age 19 in 1968 and became a full-time player by 1970.[1][2][3] Over his career, he amassed 2,472 hits, 248 home runs, and 1,389 runs batted in while batting .285, establishing himself as one of the most productive catchers in MLB history despite playing in an era dominated by power-hitting peers like Johnny Bench and Carlton Fisk.[3][1] Simmons' tenure with the Cardinals spanned 13 seasons, during which he led the National League in games caught twice (1973 and 1975) and set a then-NL record for hits by a catcher with 193 in 1975.[1][3] He earned eight All-Star selections—six with St. Louis in the 1970s—and finished as high as sixth in NL MVP voting that record-setting year.[3][4] Traded to the Brewers in 1981 amid a contract dispute, he helped lead Milwaukee to the 1982 World Series, batting .308 in the ALCS en route to the Fall Classic,[1][3] and added two more All-Star nods during his five years there. His final three seasons came with the Braves, where he concluded his playing career in 1988 at age 39, having caught over 1,700 games without exceeding 57 strikeouts in any season.[1][2] Beyond the field, Simmons won the NL Silver Slugger Award in 1980 as the top-hitting catcher and later served as general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1991 to 1993.[3][5] A lifelong learner, he earned a bachelor's degree in sport management and communications from the University of Michigan in 1996, nearly three decades after beginning classes while playing.[6] Simmons was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019 by the Modern Baseball Era Committee, receiving 81% of the vote (13 of 16), and was formally inducted in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic postponement; the Cardinals retired his No. 23 and unveiled a statue in his honor in 2021.[1][7][8]Early Life and Amateur Career
Birth and Family Background
Ted Simmons was born on August 9, 1949, in Highland Park, Michigan, as the youngest of four children born to William “Bill” Finis Simmons and Bonnie Sue (Webb) Simmons.[9] His father worked as a harness-racing horse trainer, instilling a sense of discipline and dedication to competitive pursuits within the family, while his mother exemplified a strong work ethic that shaped the household environment.[9][10] The family later relocated to Southfield, a suburb of Detroit, where Simmons grew up alongside his siblings, including two older brothers, Jim and Ned, and sister Jane.[9] In May 1970, Simmons married Maryanne Ellison, his high school sweetheart and a talented artist who studied at the University of Michigan.[9][11] Maryanne Ellison Simmons, a master printmaker, developed a deep passion for contemporary art that complemented her husband's own collecting pursuits, leading the couple to build an extensive private collection over decades.[12][13] The Simmons' shared commitment to art culminated in a major philanthropic gesture in 2021, when they donated 833 contemporary artworks to the St. Louis Art Museum, with the family contributing 50% of the collection's value and the museum acquiring the remainder.[12][14] By that year, the couple had been married for 51 years and raised two children, maintaining their residence in suburban St. Louis while actively supporting cultural initiatives.[9][15]High School and Draft Selection
Ted Simmons attended Southfield High School in Southfield, Michigan, where he was a three-sport letterman, excelling in baseball, basketball, and football. He distinguished himself as a standout catcher and hitter on the baseball team during the mid-1960s, played quarterback in football, and received scholarship offers from universities including Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Michigan State.[9][1] As a senior in 1967, his skills drew attention from major league scouts, who praised his athleticism and potential behind the plate.[16] Family support from his early years allowed him to focus intensely on the sport, honing his abilities without significant distractions.[17] Following his high school graduation in June 1967, Simmons was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round, tenth overall, of the Major League Baseball amateur draft.[18] At just 17 years old, he signed a professional contract worth $50,000, opting to bypass college opportunities at the University of Michigan in favor of an immediate commitment to pro ball.[19] This decision underscored his eagerness to accelerate his development in the Cardinals' system, where his switch-hitting prowess—batting from both sides of the plate—quickly emerged as a key asset.[9] Simmons' minor league progression was remarkably swift, beginning with a brief appearance in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League in mid-1967, where he adapted to professional demands under the guidance of Cardinals instructors.[20] The following year, he advanced to Single-A ball with the Modesto Reds in the California League, showcasing strong defensive skills as a catcher alongside his offensive capabilities during an impressive season.[18] His rapid rise highlighted the organization's confidence in his glove work and plate discipline, positioning him for a quick transition to the majors.[9]Major League Playing Career
St. Louis Cardinals Tenure (1968–1980)
Ted Simmons made his Major League Baseball debut with the St. Louis Cardinals on September 21, 1968, at the age of 19, appearing in two games during the team's pennant-winning season.[3] Initially serving as a backup catcher behind veteran Tim McCarver, Simmons saw limited action in 1968 and 1969 while splitting time between the majors and minors, focusing on developing his skills behind the plate.[9] By 1970, he had earned more opportunities, but it was not until 1971 that the Cardinals committed to him as their full-time starting catcher, displacing McCarver and marking his emergence as a cornerstone of the lineup.[21] Simmons quickly established himself as an offensive standout during his tenure, batting over .300 in six seasons with the Cardinals, including .304 in 1971, .310 in 1973, .332 in 1975, and .318 in 1977.[3] His 1975 campaign was particularly dominant, as he batted .332 while driving in 100 runs, showcasing his switch-hitting prowess and ability to produce consistently from the cleanup spot.[22] In 1977, Simmons earned his fourth All-Star selection, batting .318 with 21 home runs and 95 RBIs, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league's premier hitting catchers.[23] Defensively, he contributed significantly by handling a rotation that included future Hall of Famer Bob Gibson, notably catching Gibson's only career no-hitter on August 14, 1971, against the Pittsburgh Pirates in an 11-0 victory.[24] Tensions arose toward the end of Simmons' time in St. Louis, stemming from contract disputes with manager and general manager Whitey Herzog, who sought to transition Simmons from catcher to first base or designated hitter to preserve his bat while addressing defensive concerns.[25] Simmons, invoking his no-trade clause, resisted the positional shift and demanded compensation for waiving it, leading to his departure from the team.[26] On December 12, 1980, the Cardinals traded Simmons, along with pitchers Rollie Fingers and Pete Vuckovich, to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for outfielder Sixto Lezcano, pitchers Lary Sorensen and Dave LaPoint, and prospect David Green.[27] This blockbuster deal, executed during the Winter Meetings, ended Simmons' 13-season stint with the Cardinals after 1,564 games, during which he amassed 1,704 hits and set franchise marks for a switch-hitter in home runs (172) and RBIs (929).[9]Milwaukee Brewers Years (1981–1985)
Following his trade from the St. Louis Cardinals in December 1980, Ted Simmons joined the Milwaukee Brewers and quickly established himself as a key offensive contributor behind the plate. In 1981, his first season with the team in the strike-shortened schedule, Simmons batted .216 with 14 home runs and 61 RBIs over 100 games, earning his seventh career All-Star selection as he adapted to the American League.[3] This performance helped the Brewers secure the second-half title in the strike-shortened season, leading to their first postseason appearance in franchise history, where Simmons hit a go-ahead two-run homer in Game 3 of the AL Division Series against the New York Yankees, though Milwaukee lost the series in five games.[4] Simmons played a pivotal role in the Brewers' 1982 American League pennant-winning campaign under manager Harvey Kuenn, who fostered a tight-knit team dynamic with his laid-back leadership style that emphasized veteran contributions like Simmons'. Batting .270 with 23 home runs and 97 RBIs in 150 games, Simmons provided steady power and leadership as the primary catcher, helping propel Milwaukee to a 95-67 record and their first World Series berth.[3] In the ALCS against the California Angels, he hit .167 over five games, but elevated his play in the World Series against his former Cardinals team, posting a .174 average with two solo home runs—including one in Game 1 of Milwaukee's 10-0 opener—while driving in 3 RBIs across seven games, despite the Brewers falling in seven.[4][28] The 1983 season saw Simmons earn his eighth and final All-Star nod, starting at catcher for the American League in the game at Comiskey Park—the first catcher to start for both leagues in his career—and batting .308 with 13 home runs and 108 RBIs in 147 games, solidifying his value amid the Brewers' competitive AL East push.[3][4] However, as he entered his mid-30s, production declined due to age-related wear and minor injuries; in 1984, limited to 132 games, he hit .221 with 4 home runs and 52 RBIs while shifting increasingly to first base and designated hitter to preserve his health.[9] Under Kuenn's guidance, which continued to emphasize team cohesion despite mounting injuries to key players, Simmons rebounded somewhat in 1985 to .273 with 12 home runs and 76 RBIs over 143 games, primarily at first base, but the Brewers' 71-91 finish prompted his trade to the Atlanta Braves after the season.[3][29]Atlanta Braves and Retirement (1986–1988)
In March 1986, the Atlanta Braves acquired Ted Simmons from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for catcher Rick Cerone and minor leaguers David Clay and Flavio Alfaro, allowing the veteran to return to the National League after five seasons in the American League.[27] As a part-time catcher and first baseman, Simmons provided leadership to a young Braves roster, often serving as a pinch hitter and mentor to emerging players, including catcher Bruce Benedict, while contributing to the team's bench unit known as the "Bomb Squad."[30][31] Simmons' performance with Atlanta reflected the physical decline typical of a long-career catcher, though he remained a reliable contributor in limited action. In 1986, he appeared in 76 games, batting .252 with 14 starts at first base and 10 behind the plate.[3] His role continued similarly in 1987 (73 games, .277 average) and 1988 (78 games, .196 average), emphasizing utility and guidance over everyday play as he split time between first base and occasional catching duties.[3][1] Following the 1988 season, Simmons, then 39 years old, retired after 21 major league seasons, attributing the decision to the cumulative physical demands of catching 1,771 games over his career.[9][3] Reflecting on his longevity, he noted the relentless toll of the position but expressed immediate interest in transitioning to baseball's front office, where he soon joined the St. Louis Cardinals as director of player development in 1989.[9][4]Playing Statistics and Achievements
Career Batting and Fielding Statistics
Ted Simmons compiled an impressive offensive resume over his 21-season Major League Baseball career, appearing in 2,456 games while accumulating 2,472 hits in 8,680 at-bats for a .285 batting average, 1,074 runs scored, 483 doubles, 47 triples, 248 home runs, and 1,389 runs batted in, along with a .348 on-base percentage and .437 slugging percentage.[3] The majority of these hits—1,649—came during his 13 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals.[3] Among catchers with at least 50% of their games at the position, Simmons ranks second all-time in hits and doubles, trailing only Iván Rodríguez.[32] Defensively, Simmons appeared in 1,771 games as a catcher, posting 8,906 putouts, 916 assists, 130 errors, and a .987 fielding percentage.[3] He caught 122 shutouts, ranking eighth all-time among Major League catchers.[33] Simmons demonstrated durability behind the plate, leading National League catchers in putouts in 1973 and in assists twice (1972 and 1978) and maintaining a consistently strong fielding percentage, with his career mark reflecting elite glovework for the era.[3] Simmons peaked offensively in 1975, batting .332 with 18 home runs and 100 RBI while playing for the Cardinals.[3] He also led the National League in intentional walks in both 1976 (19) and 1977 (25), underscoring opponents' respect for his switch-hitting prowess.Year-by-Year Batting Statistics
| Year | Team | G | BA | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | STL | 2 | .333 | 0 | 0 |
| 1969 | STL | 5 | .214 | 0 | 3 |
| 1970 | STL | 82 | .243 | 3 | 24 |
| 1971 | STL | 133 | .304 | 7 | 77 |
| 1972 | STL | 152 | .303 | 16 | 96 |
| 1973 | STL | 161 | .310 | 13 | 91 |
| 1974 | STL | 152 | .272 | 20 | 103 |
| 1975 | STL | 157 | .332 | 18 | 100 |
| 1976 | STL | 150 | .291 | 5 | 75 |
| 1977 | STL | 150 | .318 | 21 | 95 |
| 1978 | STL | 152 | .287 | 22 | 80 |
| 1979 | STL | 123 | .283 | 26 | 87 |
| 1980 | STL | 145 | .303 | 21 | 98 |
| 1981 | MIL | 100 | .216 | 14 | 61 |
| 1982 | MIL | 137 | .269 | 23 | 97 |
| 1983 | MIL | 153 | .308 | 13 | 108 |
| 1984 | MIL | 132 | .221 | 4 | 52 |
| 1985 | MIL | 143 | .273 | 12 | 76 |
| 1986 | ATL | 76 | .252 | 4 | 25 |
| 1987 | ATL | 73 | .277 | 4 | 30 |
| 1988 | ATL | 78 | .196 | 2 | 11 |
| Career | - | 2,456 | .285 | 248 | 1,389 |
Year-by-Year Fielding Statistics (as Catcher)
| Year | Team | G | PO | A | E | FPCT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | STL | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1.000 |
| 1969 | STL | 4 | 22 | 0 | 1 | .957 |
| 1970 | STL | 79 | 466 | 37 | 5 | .990 |
| 1971 | STL | 130 | 747 | 52 | 9 | .989 |
| 1972 | STL | 135 | 842 | 78 | 8 | .991 |
| 1973 | STL | 153 | 888 | 74 | 13 | .987 |
| 1974 | STL | 141 | 717 | 82 | 11 | .986 |
| 1975 | STL | 154 | 803 | 62 | 15 | .983 |
| 1976 | STL | 113 | 493 | 66 | 4 | .993 |
| 1977 | STL | 143 | 683 | 75 | 10 | .987 |
| 1978 | STL | 134 | 670 | 88 | 9 | .988 |
| 1979 | STL | 122 | 606 | 69 | 10 | .985 |
| 1980 | STL | 129 | 520 | 71 | 9 | .985 |
| 1981 | MIL | 75 | 300 | 37 | 7 | .980 |
| 1982 | MIL | 121 | 570 | 62 | 3 | .995 |
| 1983 | MIL | 86 | 395 | 41 | 11 | .975 |
| 1985 | MIL | 15 | 65 | 4 | 1 | .986 |
| 1986 | ATL | 10 | 40 | 5 | 1 | .978 |
| 1987 | ATL | 15 | 64 | 10 | 1 | .987 |
| 1988 | ATL | 10 | 12 | 1 | 2 | .867 |
| Career | - | 1,771 | 8,906 | 916 | 130 | .987 |