Simba

by bobeans on Feb 22, 2012 7:43 PM EST

For those of you who have Netflix "instant watch," I just want to call your attention to an old interview with Ted Simmons--exactly the kind of thing that gets you through the off-season. It's on the show "Talking Baseball with Ed Randall." I've been working my way through the various interviews, and this may be my favorite. I'm too young to remember Simmons's playing career, but in interview he strikes me as one of the most intelligent ballplayers I've ever heard speak. For those interested in the history of the game, it's a must-see. He talks about being his own agent, about leaving the Cardinals, about catching Gibson, etc. Having never seen him play, I'm a Simba fan, just from this interview.

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He was my favorite player as a kid.

I was heartbroken when he was traded. Winning the World Series the next year took the sting out of that, though.

by illcowboy on Feb 23, 2012 10:08 PM EST reply actions

Thanks for the tip.

Partly for the chance to see Simmons, partly for the entire series. I have heard of it but never seen one. It’s great to find out it streams on Netflix.

He was one of my favorite Cardinals of that era. The first thing I would look for in a box score was how Brock and Simmons did the night before. And you are right: smart guy. He cultivated that image, I think, but that’s not the worst thing someone can do.

by Youneverknow on Feb 24, 2012 2:21 PM EST reply actions

He's the only Cardinal...

I’ve ever met. Had to be ’79-80 or so, I was about 8-9. Very nice to me, got an autograph.

by DiscoJer on Feb 25, 2012 9:56 PM EST reply actions

Another entertaining thing about Simmons

was that he was on the board of the St. Louis Art Museum for a while, according to an SI article a long time ago. Not your typical “dumb jock,” this guy.

"That’s what a baseball player does: he uses the glove half of the time." -- Rick Horton regarding the DH.

by StanTheManFan on Feb 26, 2012 1:58 PM EST reply actions

In the interview

they mention his wife. Apparently she’s an artist, or interested in fine art, or a student of art…something like that. Not a fair statement by any means, but somehow I suspect that she’s more interesting than the average “player’s wife.”

by bobeans on Feb 27, 2012 6:58 PM EST up reply actions