For decades, the name Ted Simmons stirred debate. Was the eight-time All-Star catcher from the St. Louis Cardinals overlooked for too long? Was his legacy misunderstood amid an era dominated by bigger headlines and flashier names? But now, the wait is over.
On a chilly Cooperstown afternoon, Ted Simmons was officially inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, delivering a heartfelt, reflective speech that brought fans—and many fellow players—to tears. The man affectionately known as “Simba” finally took his rightful place among the game’s immortals.
Simmons wasn’t your typical catcher. He was quieter than Johnny Bench, less flashy than Carlton Fisk, and yet his numbers are jaw-dropping:
.285 career batting average
2,472 hits
248 home runs
1,389 RBIs, the second-most ever for a catcher
His durability and offensive production redefined what a catcher could be. For more than two decades, Simmons anchored lineups and pitching staffs in St. Louis, Milwaukee, and Atlanta, combining power, intelligence, and longevity.
Simmons was first eligible for Hall of Fame induction in 1994. In a shock to many, he received just 3.7% of the vote—well below the 5% needed to remain on the ballot.
“I didn’t speak about it much back then,” Simmons admitted in his induction speech. “But of course it hurt. You put your heart into the game, and when the call doesn’t come… you wonder.”
Yet Simmons never stopped supporting the game. He worked in front offices, mentored young players, and stayed active within the Cardinals organization. That perseverance paid off in 2019, when the Modern Baseball Era Committee voted him in, with more than 81% support.
Standing before the Hall of Fame plaque that now bears his name, Simmons was candid and emotional.
“For anyone who’s ever felt passed over, just know—being patient doesn’t mean giving up. Dreams delayed are not dreams denied.”
The crowd in Cooperstown responded with a thunderous ovation, while social media lit up with tributes from Cardinals fans, former teammates, and baseball legends.
Although Simmons played for three teams, his heart was always in St. Louis, where he spent 13 of his 21 MLB seasons. It was in Busch Stadium that Simmons became an icon, making six of his eight All-Star appearances and solidifying his place as a leader both behind the plate and in the clubhouse.
Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. called Simmons “a symbol of intelligence, excellence, and quiet leadership,” adding, “Ted was never the loudest voice—but always the wisest.”
In addition to his Hall of Fame induction, Simmons was honored by the Cardinals with the retirement of his No. 23 jersey—a tribute reserved for the most treasured players in franchise history.
Looking back, Simmons said it best:
“I may have waited longer than most, but the wait only makes today sweeter.”
Ted Simmons’ induction wasn’t just about statistics. It was about vindication. About respect. About reminding baseball fans everywhere that greatness sometimes takes time to be recognized.
And when it finally is—it’s worth every second.