Ted Simmons (born August 9, 1949, in Highland Park, Michigan) played for the St. Louis Cardinals (1968-80), Milwaukee Brewers (1981-85) and Atlanta Braves (1986-88). Simmons (nicknamed "Simba") was a switch-hitter and threw right-handed.
In a 21-season career, Simmons compiled a .288 batting average with 2,472 hits, 248 home runs and 1389 RBI in 2456 games.
* 8-time All-Star (1972-74, 1977-79, 1981, 1983)
* Silver Slugger Award (1980)
* 7-time hit .300 or more (1971-73, 1975, 1977, 1980, 1983)
* Caught two no-hitters (Bob Gibson in 1971, Bob Forsch in 1978)
* Twice led the National League in intentional walks (1976-77). He ranks 15th in the All-Time list with 188.
* After his playing days were over, Simmons continued in the game as a front office executive. He served two seasons (1992-93) as general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, but stepped down for health reasons. He also was Director of Player Development for both the Cardinals and San Diego Padres, and a scout for the Cleveland Indians. He was named the bench coach for the Milwaukee Brewers starting with the 2008 season.
In 1993, only 17 baseball writers voted for Ted Simmons to get into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Being less than the 5% required to remain eligible, Simmons was taken off the ballot. Under the rules in effect at that time, he was thus permanently ineligible for Hall of Fame selection.
Ted Simmons had 2472 career hits, which was ranked # 1 all time for a catcher, until 2008, when he was surpassed by Iván Rodríguez.
This data was drawn from Wikipedia.
This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in June 1987.
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