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 Charles Simpson (born July 28, 1943) is a former American Major League Baseball (MLB) player. He played as an outfielder from 1962 to 1969. During his eight years in baseball, he played for several teams. These included the Los Angeles / California Angels, Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros, New York Yankees, and Seattle Pilots.
Dick Simpson was known for his speed. He was 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 176 pounds. He had a career batting average of .207. He also hit 15 home runs and had 56 runs batted in (RBI).
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Early Career and Debut
Dick Simpson first joined the Angels as a free agent in 1961. He made his first MLB appearance on September 21, 1962. He was only 19 years old at the time. In his very first at bat, he hit a single. This hit brought in a run for his team.
He played in a few more games that season. Then, he returned to the Angels in 1964. Before the 1964 season, the Angels' general manager thought Dick might be a candidate for the Rookie of the Year award.
Playing in Triple-A
In 1965, Dick played for the Angels' Triple-A team in Seattle. He had a great season there. He batted .301, which means he got a hit about 30% of the time. He also hit 22 doubles, 12 triples, and 24 home runs. He was very fast, stealing 29 bases. He also had 79 RBI.
Team Changes and Trades
Dick Simpson was part of several trades during his career. Baseball teams often trade players to improve their rosters.
- On December 2, 1965, the Angels traded him to the Baltimore Orioles.
- Just one week later, on December 9, he was traded again. The Orioles sent him to the Cincinnati Reds as part of a big trade for star player Frank Robinson.
- On January 11, 1968, the Reds traded him 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.
Career Highlights and Facts
- 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 MLB career.
- He did not play in the major leagues during the 1963 season.
- On June 9, 1969, he hit a home run on the very first pitch of a game. This was a "leadoff home run." It was the only run given up by the opposing pitcher, Mickey Lolich, who struck out 16 batters in that game. This home run was the last of Dick Simpson's career.
- He collected his final career hit on August 12, 1969, off pitcher Fred Talbot.
- Dick Simpson wore several different uniform numbers during his career: 10 (1962, 1964–1965), 20 (1966–1967), 12 (1968), 37 (1968), 9 (1969), and 16 (1969).
- He earned $7,000 in 1965 and $16,000 in 1969.
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.
