Duke Sims – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Duke Sims put together an 11-year career in Major League Baseball, playing from 1964 to 1974 as a reliable catcher for five different teams. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Sims grew into a dependable backstop who handled pitching staffs well and chipped in with decent offense from behind the plate.

He wrapped up his career in 1974, finishing with the Texas Rangers after more than a decade in professional baseball.

The veteran catcher’s journey took him from Cleveland to Los Angeles, then Detroit, New York, and finally Texas. Sims found his best years with the Cleveland Indians, where he became the main catcher and put up his strongest stats.

While with Cleveland, Sims anchored a pitching staff that led the American League with a 2.66 ERA in a season that fans still remember.

Sims ended his career with a .239 batting average, 100 home runs, and 310 RBIs over 843 games. His story shows what life was like for a journeyman player who learned to adapt to new teams and roles.

From his time in the minors to his last at-bat in 1974, Sims embodied the steady, blue-collar style that defined many catchers back then.

Early Life and Path to the Majors

Duke Sims was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on June 5, 1941. His real baseball journey started when his family moved to Idaho while he was still young.

Sims’ talent came to light at Pocatello High School, where he became one of just two players from the school to make it to the majors. At 18, he signed with the Cleveland Indians in 1959.

Childhood in Salt Lake City

Duane B. “Duke” Sims was born on June 5, 1941, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He spent his early years in Utah’s capital before his family decided to move to Idaho.

That move turned out to be pretty important for Sims’ baseball growth. Sure, Salt Lake City was his birthplace, but Idaho ended up shaping his athletic future.

Landing in a smaller Idaho community gave Sims a different environment. This switch probably influenced his baseball path in ways that wouldn’t have happened if he’d stayed in Salt Lake.

Baseball Beginnings at Pocatello High School

Once in Idaho, Sims attended Pocatello High School. Not many players from there reached the majors, so his rise was special.

He joined Kent Hadley as one of only two Pocatello High alums to play in MLB. Hadley went on to play first base for the Kansas City Athletics and New York Yankees.

Sims caught the eyes of scouts with his work behind the plate and at bat during high school. Those years built the base for his pro career.

Small-town Idaho gave Sims a chance to stand out. His baseball skills shined at Pocatello High, paving the way to the pros.

Signing with the Cleveland Indians Organization

In 1959, at 18, Sims signed his first pro contract with the Cleveland Indians. That moment kicked off his long climb through the minors.

The Indians saw potential in Sims as a catcher back in the late ‘50s. Signing him showed they were looking to develop young talent for the future.

Sims joined Cleveland as the team was building up its farm system. The organization bet on the young Idaho catcher and set him up with their minor league clubs.

Minor League Development Years

Sims started off with the North Platte Indians in Nebraska in 1959, his first taste of pro ball. That Class D team introduced him to the grind of professional baseball.

He spent the next four-plus seasons moving up through the Indians’ minor league system. Sims played for the Burlington Indians, Charleston Indians, Jacksonville Suns, and Portland Beavers.

Every stop in the minors gave Sims new experience and helped him improve. The Burlington, Charleston, and Jacksonville teams all played a part in his growth before he landed with Portland.

By 1964, after more than four years in the minors, Sims had turned into a prospect who was ready for the big leagues. The Indians called him up, and he made his debut on September 22, 1964.

Key Career Overview and Notable Achievements

Duke Sims built a steady 11-season career from 1964 to 1974. He became known as a reliable catcher who reached the rare milestone of 100 home runs while suiting up for five different teams.

His .239 batting average didn’t really show his full value. Sims was a defensive specialist and a versatile player who could fill in at other spots when needed.

Major League Debut and Early Seasons

Sims debuted in the majors on September 22, 1964, for the Cleveland Indians against the New York Yankees. He was 23 and had spent five years working through the minors after signing with Cleveland in 1959.

At first, Sims split catching duties with veterans like Joe Azcue, Phil Roof, and Cam Carreon. By 1967, he was sharing the main catching job with Azcue.

In 1969, Sims became Cleveland’s primary catcher. That year, he posted a 3.2 WAR, hit .236 with 18 home runs, and threw out 26 runners trying to steal.

Career Milestones and Records

Sims hit some solid career milestones during his 11 years in the majors. He finished with exactly 100 home runs and 310 RBIs in 843 games.

His best season at the plate came in 1970, when he set personal highs:

• 23 home runs
• 56 RBIs
• 91 hits
• .499 slugging percentage

He also earned the unique honor of hitting the last home run at the original Yankee Stadium on September 30, 1973, taking Detroit’s Fred Holdsworth deep in the seventh inning.

Position Versatility and Skills

Sims mainly played catcher, but he could handle first base, right field, left field, and even served as a designated hitter at times.

He was a steady defender, finishing with a .986 fielding percentage as a catcher. Sims threw out 160 runners, nabbing 35% of would-be base stealers.

Even with that .239 batting average, Sims put up a .340 on-base percentage. He knew how to draw walks and get on base. His left-handed bat was an asset, especially in platoon matchups.

Cleveland Indians Era

Sims spent his best years with the Cleveland Indians from 1964 to 1970. He became a go-to catcher during one of the franchise’s more competitive stretches.

He and Joe Azcue worked together to handle a pitching staff that led the AL with a 2.66 ERA in 1968.

Emergence as a Starting Catcher

Duke Sims started his pro journey after signing with Cleveland in 1959 at 18. He spent more than four years sharpening his skills in the minors—North Platte, Burlington, Charleston, Jacksonville, and Portland.

He made his big league debut on September 22, 1964, at 23. The lefty catcher quickly became an important part of Cleveland’s plans.

His rise happened as Cleveland tried to build a winner around strong pitching. Sims handled the tough job of managing a talented but varied group of pitchers.

At 6-foot-2 and 197 pounds, Sims brought both defense and some pop at the plate. His knack for working with pitchers became one of his biggest strengths in Cleveland.

Memorable Performances and Key Seasons

The 1968 season stood out as the highlight of Sims’ time with Cleveland. He guided a pitching staff that dominated AL hitters.

Sims caught for a rotation that featured:

• Sam McDowell (15-14, 1.51 ERA)
• Luis Tiant (21-9, 1.60 ERA)
• Sonny Siebert (12-10, 2.97 ERA)
• Stan Williams (13-11, 2.50 ERA)
• Steve Hargan (8-15, 4.15 ERA)

That year, Sims led the league with 13 passed balls. It wasn’t ideal, but it showed just how wild and powerful Cleveland’s pitching could be.

The Indians finished 86-75 in 1968, taking third place. Even with that great pitching, the offense couldn’t quite get them over the top.

Partnership with Joe Azcue

Sims worked alongside Joe Azcue during his best years in Cleveland. The two made a strong team, splitting the tough work of catching a demanding staff.

Each brought something different to the table, and together, they got the most out of Cleveland’s talented but sometimes unpredictable pitchers.

Handling power arms like McDowell and Tiant wasn’t easy. Sims and Azcue managed it by playing to each other’s strengths.

Their partnership played a big part in Cleveland’s success in the late ‘60s. They helped keep the pitching staff on track during those competitive seasons.

Journeyman Years: Dodgers, Tigers, Yankees, and Rangers

After six seasons with Cleveland, Sims spent his last four years bouncing between four different teams from 1971 to 1974.

His journey took him to the National League with Los Angeles, then to playoff baseball in Detroit, a historic moment in New York, and finally retirement in Texas.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Transition to the National League

The Los Angeles Dodgers picked up Sims during the 1970 offseason, his first taste of National League ball. He split catching duties with Tom Haller and Joe Ferguson.

Sims played 141 games for the Dodgers, hitting 8 home runs and driving in 36 runs while learning new pitchers and facing NL hitters.

After the Dodgers traded Tom Haller to Detroit, they planned to give Sims a bigger role. But then they surprised everyone by adding three more catchers to the 1972 roster—Chris Cannizzaro, Dick Dietz, and a young defensive specialist.

With so many catchers around, Sims’ playing time took a hit. The fight for the starting spot got pretty crowded.

By summer 1972, the Detroit Tigers claimed Sims off waivers. His time in LA was short, but it gave him some valuable National League experience for the rest of his career.

Detroit Tigers: Playoff Appearance and Highlights

The Detroit Tigers picked up Sims off waivers in summer 1972, giving him a new shot in the American League. He spent just over a year with Detroit, playing in 118 games and helping the team make a run.

Sims’ biggest moment with Detroit came in 1972, when the Tigers made the playoffs. That was his only postseason trip in 11 years.

Detroit faced the Oakland Athletics in the American League Championship Series. The A’s won and went on to take the World Series, but at least Sims finally got a taste of playoff baseball.

He split catching duties in Detroit and brought some veteran leadership to the pitching staff. The Tigers relied on his experience and his knack for handling all types of pitchers.

During his Detroit stint, Sims worked with stars like Al Kaline and mentored younger players. The clubhouse atmosphere let him contribute on and off the field.

In September 1973, the New York Yankees claimed Sims off waivers, ending his run with the Tigers and setting up one of the most memorable moments of his career.

New York Yankees: Historic Home Run at Yankee Stadium

Sims spent only a short time with the New York Yankees, but his stint turned out to be pretty memorable. He joined the team after they claimed him off waivers on September 24, 1973, and played just 9 games.

On September 30, 1973, Sims did something that would land him a spot in baseball history. Facing his old team, the Detroit Tigers, he smacked a home run in the seventh inning off pitcher Fred Holdsworth.

That home run? It wasn’t just any shot. Sims hit the final home run ever at the original Yankee Stadium, which gave him a permanent place in Yankees lore.

He managed this feat during one of his rare appearances in pinstripes. Even though he didn’t get much playing time, that single swing tied him forever to one of baseball’s most iconic ballparks.

Sims stayed with the Yankees until May 1974, then the team traded him to the Texas Rangers. His time in New York was brief, but it felt like a fitting chapter in his winding journey through the American League.

Texas Rangers: Final MLB Season and Retirement

The Texas Rangers picked up Sims in May 1974, offering him one last shot in the majors. He played in 39 games for Texas the rest of that season, hitting .208 with three home runs.

This final chapter wasn’t easy for the veteran catcher. Sims, now 33, had to get used to another new team while his numbers dipped from what they’d been earlier in his career.

Texas gave him a chance to finish things out on his own terms. Even as his stats faded, he still brought leadership and solid defense behind the plate.

When you look at his career totals—100 home runs, 310 RBIs, and a .239 batting average in 843 games—it’s clear he brought value over the years. He caught 160 runners stealing and held a .986 fielding percentage as a catcher.

The Rangers let Sims go in January 1975, which closed the book on his 11-season MLB career. His path, from Cleveland to four other teams, really shows how pro baseball can push even talented players to adapt and reinvent themselves.

Career Statistics and Playing Style

Duke Sims hit .239 over 11 MLB seasons and stood out for his patience at the plate, posting a .340 on-base percentage. He made himself a valuable catcher for five different teams between 1964 and 1974.

Offensive Performance: Batting Average, Home Runs, and RBIs

Sims collected 580 hits in 2,422 at-bats, ending up with a .239 batting average. That number doesn’t tell the whole story, though—his 338 walks helped him reach a .340 on-base percentage.

The catcher brought steady power, launching 100 home runs in his career. His biggest year came in 1970 with Cleveland, when he hit 23 homers and drove in 56 runs.

He totaled 310 RBIs in the big leagues, with his most productive stretch from 1968 to 1970. During those three seasons, he averaged 48 RBIs a year and kept his OPS above .750.

Switching teams seemed to give his bat a boost. In 1972 with Detroit, Sims batted .316 and posted a .912 OPS in 38 games, showing he could adapt and thrive in new spots.

Defensive Abilities and Catching Metrics

As a catcher, Sims built a reputation for solid defensive instincts and game management. He appeared in 843 games, mostly behind the plate.

Managers liked that Sims could play the outfield when needed. That flexibility made him a handy option for different lineups.

He racked up 12.8 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) over his career, which says a lot about his overall impact. His defense balanced out his offensive production, making him a well-rounded player.

Sims’ consistency on defense helped him stick around on several teams. He handled all kinds of pitching staffs, which probably contributed to his staying power in the majors.

Legacy, Impact, and Life After Baseball

Duke Sims left his mark on baseball with some unique achievements and a bit of influence on future catchers. Even after retiring, he kept close ties to the game and the people around him.

Unique Achievements and Distinctions

Duke Sims owns one of baseball’s more unusual distinctions—he hit the last home run at the original Yankee Stadium on September 30, 1973, taking Detroit’s Fred Holdsworth deep in the seventh inning.

He managed this during his short time with the Yankees after they picked him up on waivers. That homer came in the stadium’s final game before it shut down for renovation.

Sims wrapped up his 11-year career with exactly 100 home runs, which puts him among the more productive catchers of his era. His .239 average and 310 RBIs show steady work behind the plate.

Career Highlights:

• Only playoff appearance: 1972 ALCS with Detroit Tigers
• Best season: 1969 with 3.2 WAR for Cleveland
• Career-high 23 home runs in 1970
• 12.8 career WAR over 11 seasons

Influence on Catchers and the Game

Sims liked to share advice on catching technique with younger players. He really focused on the basics—proper positioning and receiving.

“Today’s catchers are too deep in the box,” Sims once said. “Teach your kids to move towards the pitcher and receive the ball, not reach for it.”

He believed quick hands and feet mattered most for catchers. Sims learned this from catching some pretty elite pitchers, like Cleveland’s 1968 staff with Sam McDowell, Luis Tiant, and Sonny Siebert.

During his time with the Dodgers and Rangers, Sims also worked with Hall of Famers Don Sutton and Ferguson Jenkins. He finished with a .986 fielding percentage and threw out 35% of runners trying to steal.

Community Involvement and Post-Retirement Endeavors

After he retired in 1975, Sims kept in touch with the baseball world. He did interviews and chatted with catching instruction websites.

He liked sharing what he knew with young catchers who wanted to get better at the game.

Sims was one of just two players from Pocatello High School in Idaho who made it to the major leagues. The other, Kent Hadley, played for the Kansas City Athletics and New York Yankees.

He often answered questions from baseball instructors. Sometimes he even sent out signed memorabilia, showing he really wanted to help the next generation.

Sims always stressed the basics and good technique, not just flashy moves.

His tips on receiving position and quick hands ended up in youth baseball instructional materials. You could see his practical, no-nonsense approach in the way he played defense during his ten years in the majors.