Ted Simmons

Ted Simmons

Ted Lyle Simmons (born August 9, 1949 in Highland Park, Michigan) is an American former professional baseball player and coach. A switch-hitter, Simmons was a catcher for most of his Major League Baseball career with the St. Louis Cardinals (1968–80), the Milwaukee Brewers (1981–85) and the Atlanta Braves (1986–88). Although he was often overshadowed by his contemporary, Johnny Bench, Simmons is considered one of the best hitting catchers in Major League baseball history. While he didn't possess Bench's power hitting ability, he hit for a higher batting average. A volatile competitor with an intense desire to win, Simmons once fought with team-mate John Denny during a game at Busch Memorial Stadium, in the runway between the club house and the dugout.