Dick Simpson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dick Simpson |
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Simpson in 1969
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| Right fielder | |||
| Born: July 28, 1943 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| September 21, 1962, for the Los Angeles Angels | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| August 27, 1969, for the Seattle Pilots | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .207 | ||
| Home runs | 15 | ||
| Runs batted in | 56 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Richard "Dick" Charles Simpson (born July 28, 1943) is a former American Major League Baseball player. He played as a right fielder and center fielder. Dick played in the big leagues from 1962 to 1969.
He played for several teams during his career. These included the Los Angeles / California Angels, Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros, New York Yankees, and Seattle Pilots. Over eight years, he had a batting average of .207. He also hit 15 home runs and had 56 runs batted in (RBI). Dick was a tall player, standing 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) and weighing 176 pounds (80 kg).
Dick Simpson: Baseball Outfielder
Dick Simpson first joined the Angels as a free agent in 1961. He made his first Major League appearance on September 21, 1962. He was only 19 years old at the time. In his very first at bat, he hit a single, bringing in a run for his team.
He played a few more games for the Angels that season. Then, he returned to the team in 1964. Before the 1964 season, the Angels' general manager, Fred Haney, thought Dick might be a Rookie of the Year winner.
In 1965, Dick played for the Angels' Triple-A team in Seattle. He had a great year, hitting .301. He also had 22 doubles, 12 triples, 24 home runs, and 29 stolen bases. He also brought in 79 runs.
Moving Between Teams
Dick Simpson was part of many trades during his baseball career. Here are some of the big moves he made:
- On December 2, 1965, the Angels traded him to the Baltimore Orioles.
- Just one week later, on December 9, he was traded again. This time, he went from the Orioles to the Cincinnati Reds. This trade was part of a big deal for star player Frank Robinson.
- On January 11, 1968, the Reds traded Dick to the St. Louis Cardinals.
- Later that year, on June 15, 1968, the Cardinals traded him to the Houston Astros.
- On December 4, 1968, the Astros traded him to the New York Yankees.
- On May 19, 1969, the Yankees traded him to the Seattle Pilots.
- His final trade happened on December 12, 1969. The Pilots traded him to the San Francisco Giants.
Fun Facts About Dick Simpson
- In 1962, Dick Simpson was the second-youngest player in Major League Baseball. Only Ed Kirkpatrick was younger.
- He was known as one of the fastest players of his time. However, he only stole 10 bases in his entire career.
- He did not play in the Major Leagues during the 1963 season.
- On June 9, 1969, Dick hit a home run on the very first pitch of the game. This was a "leadoff home run." It was the only run given up by pitcher Mickey Lolich in that game. This home run was the last one of Dick Simpson's career.
- He wore several different uniform numbers. These included 10, 20, 12, 37, 9, and 16.
- He earned $7,000 in 1965 and $16,000 in 1969.
- His last career hit came on August 12, 1969, off pitcher Fred Talbot.
