History of Ted Simmons in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 30, 2024

Ted Simmons, an American former professional baseball player and coach, is renowned as one of Major League Baseball's most skilled hitting catchers. Known for his switch-hitting prowess, he primarily served as a catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, and Atlanta Braves. Despite being overshadowed by his contemporary Johnny Bench, Simmons boasted a superior batting average, a feat achieved despite playing home games at a hitter's park. While his power hitting may not have rivaled Bench's, his exceptional batting skills cemented his place in baseball history.

August 9, 1949: Birth of Ted Simmons

Ted Lyle Simmons was born on August 9, 1949.

1967: Draft and Signing with the St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals selected Ted Simmons in the first round of the 1967 MLB draft, leading him to forgo his commitment to the University of Michigan with a $50,000 signing bonus.

1968: Major League Debut

At the age of 18, Ted Simmons made his major league debut with the St. Louis Cardinals, playing in two games during their pennant-winning season in 1968.

1968: Impressive Performance in the California League

Ted Simmons displayed strong offensive skills in 1968 while playing for the Modesto Reds in the Class A California League, hitting .331 with 28 home runs and 117 RBIs in 136 games.

1970: Return to Major Leagues, Platooning with Joe Torre

Ted Simmons returned to the major leagues in 1970, sharing catching duties with Joe Torre in a platoon system.

1971: Becoming the Cardinals' Starting Catcher

With Joe Torre transitioning to third base, Ted Simmons took over as the St. Louis Cardinals' starting catcher in 1971. He excelled with a .304 batting average, seven home runs, and 77 RBIs, finishing 16th in MVP voting.

1972: First All-Star Selection and Contract Dispute

In 1972, Ted Simmons played without a contract due to a salary dispute with the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite this, he thrived on the field, earning his first All-Star selection and setting a Cardinals record for RBIs by a catcher.

1973: Continued Success and Second All-Star Selection

Ted Simmons continued his strong performance in 1973, earning his second consecutive All-Star selection and leading National League catchers in putouts.

1975: Leading the National League in Hits as a Catcher

In 1975, Ted Simmons set a National League record for most hits by a catcher in a single season with 188.

1978: Breaking Johnny Bench's All-Star Streak

Ted Simmons was elected as the starting catcher for the National League in the 1978 All-Star Game, ending Johnny Bench's nine-year run in that role.

1979: Setting the Cardinals' Single-Season Home Run Record for a Catcher

Ted Simmons hit a career-high 26 home runs in 1979, establishing a new record for the St. Louis Cardinals for most home runs by a catcher in a single season.

1980: Feud with Whitey Herzog and Trade to Milwaukee

During the 1980 season, a disagreement arose between Ted Simmons and Cardinals manager Whitey Herzog regarding Simmons' defensive positioning. This ultimately led to Simmons being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in December 1980.

1980: Trade to the Milwaukee Brewers

In December 1980, after a disagreement with Cardinals manager Whitey Herzog, Ted Simmons was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers alongside Rollie Fingers and Pete Vuckovich.

1980: Winning the Inaugural Silver Slugger Award

Ted Simmons received the first-ever Silver Slugger Award in 1980, recognizing him as the best offensive player at the catcher position.

1981: Joining the Milwaukee Brewers

Ted Simmons began playing for the Milwaukee Brewers in 1981 after being traded from the St. Louis Cardinals.

1982: American League Championship and World Series Appearance

The Milwaukee Brewers, with Ted Simmons, won the American League Championship Series in 1982 and faced Simmons' former team, the St. Louis Cardinals, in the World Series, where they lost in seven games. Simmons hit two home runs during the World Series.

1983: Eighth and Final All-Star Selection

Ted Simmons earned his eighth and final All-Star selection in 1983 while playing for the Milwaukee Brewers.

1984: Decline in Batting Average

Ted Simmons experienced a decline in his batting average in 1984, hitting .221 for the Milwaukee Brewers.

1985: Trade to the Atlanta Braves

In March 1986, Ted Simmons was traded to the Atlanta Braves.

1985: Rebounding with a Strong Offensive Season

Ted Simmons rebounded from a down year in 1985, hitting .273 with 76 RBIs for the Milwaukee Brewers.

March 1986: Trade to the Atlanta Braves

In March 1986, Ted Simmons was traded to the Atlanta Braves from the Milwaukee Brewers.

1986: Joining the Atlanta Braves

Ted Simmons joined the Atlanta Braves in 1986, marking his third MLB team.

1988: Retirement from Playing Career

In 1988, at the age of 38, Ted Simmons retired from playing professional baseball.

1992: Becoming General Manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates

Ted Simmons was hired as the general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1992.

June 1993: Retirement as Pittsburgh Pirates General Manager

Ted Simmons retired from his role as general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates in June 1993 after suffering a heart attack.

1994: Ted Simmons' First Hall of Fame Ballot Appearance

In 1994, Ted Simmons became eligible for election to the Baseball Hall of Fame for the first time. However, he received less than 5% of the vote and was not elected.

September 15, 2008: Reassignment from Milwaukee Brewers Bench Coach

On September 15, 2008, Ted Simmons was reassigned within the Milwaukee Brewers organization from his position as bench coach.

November 2008: Joining the San Diego Padres as Bench Coach

In November 2008, Ted Simmons was named bench coach for the San Diego Padres under manager Bud Black.

November 5, 2010: Becoming Senior Advisor to the Seattle Mariners' GM

Ted Simmons was hired as a senior advisor to Jack Zduriencik, the general manager of the Seattle Mariners, on November 5, 2010.

October 2015: Returning to the Atlanta Braves as a Scout

Ted Simmons rejoined the Atlanta Braves in October 2015 to work as a scout.

December 2017: Ted Simmons Narrowly Misses Hall of Fame Induction

In December 2017, Ted Simmons narrowly missed being elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee, falling just one vote short of induction.

December 2019: Ted Simmons Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame

Ted Simmons was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in December 2019 for the Class of 2020.

December 2019: Election to the Baseball Hall of Fame

Ted Simmons was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in December 2019.

2020: Ted Simmons' Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Postponed

Ted Simmons' formal induction ceremony into the Baseball Hall of Fame, originally planned for 2020, was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

July 31, 2021: Number Retirement and Statue Unveiling

The St. Louis Cardinals honored Ted Simmons on July 31, 2021, by retiring his jersey number 23 and unveiling a statue in his honor.

September 8, 2021: Ted Simmons Formally Enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame

On September 8, 2021, Ted Simmons was formally inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame as part of the 2020 class. The ceremony was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.