Ted “Simba” Simmons is on the Expansion Era ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and he needs votes from 12 of the 16 members on the committee in order to be elected.
Results of the voting will be announced Dec. 6.
Here are the top 10 reasons the former Cardinals catcher deserves to be elected:
1. Simmons ranks second all-time among catchers in each of three significant hitting categories: hits (2,472), RBI (1,389) and doubles (483). He trails only Yogi Berra (1,430) in RBI. Ivan Rodriguez leads in hits (2,817) and doubles (565).
2. He was named to the all-star team eight times, six as a Cardinal.
3. Simmons had 90 or more RBI in a season eight times, six as a Cardinal.
4. A durable, tough athlete who toiled most of his summers in St. Louis’ searing heat, Simmons played in 150 or more games in seven consecutive seasons (1972-78).
5. Simmons had a slugging percentage of .500 or better three seasons in a row (1977-80). That is remarkably consistent high-level production. Neither Johnny Bench nor Yogi Berra nor Carlton Fisk, for example, achieved .500 or better slugging percentages three straight years.
6. He ranks third in career total bases (3,793) by a catcher. Only Ivan Rodriguez (4,411) and Carlton Fisk (3,999) have more.
7. In 1975, Simmons established the National League single-season record for most hits by a catcher. He hit .332 that year and 188 of his 193 hits came while in the lineup as a catcher.
8. He holds most of the Cardinals career and single-season hitting records for a catcher. In a franchise rich with success (10 World Series titles) and notable catchers (Roger Bresnahan, Walker Cooper, Tim McCarver, Darrell Porter, Tony Pena and Yadier Molina), Simmons is the best.
9. While he wasn’t a great defensive catcher, he was much better than generally recognized. He twice (1972 and ’78) led NL catchers in assists, and twice (1976 and ’78) led NL catchers in number of runners caught attempting to steal.
10. In his book, “Tales from the Cardinals Dugout” (2003, Sports Publishing), pitcher Bob Forsch touts Simmons for the Hall of Fame. Forsch says Simmons hit productively even though “he didn’t get leg hits, and we had nobody in the lineup to protect him.” (Simmons twice led the NL in intentional walks). As for Simmons’ defense, Forsch wrote, “He didn’t have a strong arm, but he got rid of the ball quick … and Teddy called a good game.” Simmons caught Forsch’s 1978 no-hitter against the Phillies.
[...] _ Asked about being on the Expansion Era ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Simmons said it was “wonderful” and that he felt “lucky and appreciative” to be considered. The results of voting will be announced Dec. 6. Blog [...]
[...] _ Asked about being on the Expansion Era ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Simmons said it was “wonderful” and that he felt “lucky and appreciative” to be considered. The results of voting will be announced Dec. 6. Blog [...]
[...] Simmons’ career achievements as a hard-hitting catcher earned him a place on the Expansion Era ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Blog [...]
[...] Simmons’ career achievements as a hard-hitting catcher earned him a place on the Expansion Era ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Blog [...]
[...] This is different than the Expansion Era ballot voting being conducted now among 16 select members of a special Hall of Fame committee. Former Cardinals catcher Ted “Simba” Simmons is among the players under consideration for election by that group. Voting results will be announced Dec. 6. Blog [...]
[...] This is different than the Expansion Era ballot voting being conducted now among 16 select members of a special Hall of Fame committee. Former Cardinals catcher Ted “Simba” Simmons is among the players under consideration for election by that group. Voting results will be announced Dec. 6. Blog [...]
[...] Compared with other catchers in the Hall of Fame, Simmons has the qualifications for election. Blog [...]
[...] Ten reasons why Simmons is a Hall of Famer [...]
[...] Why Ted Simmons belongs in Hall of Fame Like this:LikeBe the first to like this [...]
I’m convinced!
Thanks, Brian. Maybe Ted Simmons and Steve Garvey will go into the Hall together some time soon.