Dick Simpson – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Dick Simpson’s baseball career might not have grabbed headlines, but his journey through six teams in eight seasons really shows what persistence in pro sports looks like. Richard Charles Simpson wrapped up his Major League Baseball career in 1969, playing his final game with the Seattle Pilots on August 27. That ended a career that ran from 1962 to 1969.

The 6’4″ outfielder from Washington, D.C. faced the challenge of getting traded again and again, suiting up for the Los Angeles/California Angels, Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros, New York Yankees, and Seattle Pilots. His story paints a picture of what a lot of players went through during baseball’s expansion era, when rosters shuffled constantly and opportunities could vanish in a blink.

Simpson’s stats tell you he struggled to find steady success at the plate. He finished with a .207 batting average, 15 home runs, and 56 RBIs in 288 games. His journey from a promising rookie to his last season with the expansion Seattle Pilots gives us a glimpse into the challenges of maintaining a big league career during one of baseball’s wildest periods.

Early Life and Signing

Richard Charles Simpson was born on July 28, 1943, in Washington, D.C. He later moved to California, where he sharpened his athletic skills at Venice High School.

The Los Angeles Angels spotted his talent and signed him as an amateur free agent in 1961, when he was only 18.

Family Background

Richard Charles Simpson came into the world on July 28, 1943, in Washington, D.C. Eventually, his family relocated to California, where he would grow up.

The Simpsons settled in Venice, California, a coastal spot that became central to Dick’s growth as both a student and an athlete. Moving from D.C. to the West Coast turned out to be a big deal for his baseball future.

We don’t know much about his parents or siblings, honestly. But the family’s choice to put down roots in Venice put Dick in the perfect place to catch the eyes of pro scouts.

Venice offered a supportive scene for young athletes in the early 1960s. That environment let Dick focus on building his natural athletic gifts, especially his speed.

Venice High School Athletics

At Venice High School, Dick Simpson stood out as an athlete with impressive physical traits. He was 6 feet 4 inches tall but weighed just 176 pounds, making him pretty lean for his height.

His blazing speed set him apart from other high school players. That speed would define his pro career later on.

Simpson’s performances at Venice caught the attention of pro scouts. His height, speed, and baseball instincts made him an intriguing prospect for Major League teams.

The high school gave him a stage to show his stuff at just the right time, as baseball scouting was ramping up. Venice High’s program helped get him ready for the leap to pro ball.

Signing with the Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels saw something special in Simpson and signed him as an amateur free agent in 1961. He was just 18, fresh out of high school.

The Angels loved his speed and athletic build, even though he was a bit light. Scouts figured those physical tools could work at higher levels.

His signing kicked off what became an eight-year pro career. The Angels put their faith in his development, hoping he’d grow through their minor league system.

The 1961 signing was Simpson’s entry into pro baseball. Just a year later, he made his Major League debut with the Angels on September 21, 1962, at 19.

Major League Debut and Los Angeles Angels Years

Dick Simpson started his Major League career with the Los Angeles Angels in 1962 at only 19. The tall, skinny outfielder had promise early on, but he struggled to lock down a regular spot.

MLB Debut in 1962

Simpson made his MLB debut on September 21, 1962, against the Cleveland Indians. At just 19, he stepped up as a pinch hitter for pitcher Fred Newman.

He made an immediate impact in his first at-bat. Simpson singled off Mudcat Grant and drove in Leo Burke in his only plate appearance that game.

His debut stood out for a couple reasons. Simpson was the second youngest player in the American League that year, with only his Angels teammate Ed Kirkpatrick being younger.

The Angels had signed Simpson as an amateur free agent in 1961, and his quick rise showed the team believed in his abilities.

Development as an Outfielder

Simpson, at 6 feet 4 inches and just 176 pounds, had a lanky build for an outfielder. He played both right field and center field for the Angels.

His size and speed made him a natural for the outfield. People considered him one of the fastest players of his era, which let him cover a ton of ground.

The Angels mostly used him as a bench player early on. That gave him a chance to work on his skills and get his feet wet in the majors.

After his 1962 debut, Simpson didn’t play in the majors in 1963. He spent that year in the minors, working on his game and sharpening his outfield skills.

Notable Early Performances

Simpson’s early years with the Angels were a mix of promise and frustration. His speed was his best weapon, though he didn’t get a ton of stolen base chances.

He tried to prove himself as a steady option in the Angels’ outfield rotation. His height gave him good range in the field, especially in center.

At the plate, he struggled, like a lot of young players do. Simpson was still figuring out how to handle major league pitching.

The Angels kept developing Simpson, moving him between the majors and minors. His potential kept him around, even if he wasn’t playing every day.

Trades and Team Changes

Dick Simpson bounced around a lot, moving from the Angels to several National League teams, then back to the American League. He played for the Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, and Houston Astros, each stop bringing new challenges.

Trade to Cincinnati Reds and Impact

Simpson joined the Cincinnati Reds during his career and got his most playing time there in 1966. The Reds put him in 92 games that year—his highest single-season total.

While in Cincinnati, Simpson played alongside some talented guys in a club that was building for the future. The Reds had strong veteran leadership that influenced the team’s culture.

He showed his value as a role player with the Reds. More playing time let Simpson show what he could do in both right and center field.

The 1966 season with Cincinnati was a key stretch for Simpson. He picked up experience that stuck with him for the rest of his career.

Move to St. Louis Cardinals

Simpson’s time with the St. Louis Cardinals added another chapter to his journey. The Cardinals gave him chances to help a competitive National League squad.

His stint in St. Louis was part of the constant movement that marked his career. The Cardinals were known for developing players and demanding high standards.

Simpson fit in as a utility outfielder—bringing speed and defensive flexibility to the roster.

The experience in St. Louis gave him a look at different coaching styles and team cultures, broadening his baseball knowledge.

Houston Astros Tenure

Simpson landed with the Houston Astros next, getting a solid run in 1968 with 47 starts. That was his second-best season in terms of games played.

He kept showing he could contribute at the major league level. The Astros leaned on his speed and defense in their outfield rotation.

The 1968 season with Houston was one of his more productive years. The team gave him regular chances to start and get into a rhythm.

Simpson’s time in Houston added valuable National League experience and helped keep his big league career going.

Final MLB Seasons and Retirement in 1969

Dick Simpson’s last season in the majors saw him split time between two American League teams. He played a short stint for the New York Yankees before wrapping up his career with the Seattle Pilots during their only season.

New York Yankees Experience

Simpson joined the Yankees in 1969 for a brief but surprisingly productive run. He played just 6 games, with 14 plate appearances and 11 at-bats.

Even with the limited action, Simpson made the most of it. He picked up 3 hits in 11 at-bats for a .273 average. He also had 2 doubles and 4 RBIs, showing he could drive in runs when needed.

Yankees Statistics:

• Games: 6
• Batting Average: .273
• On-Base Percentage: .429
• Slugging Percentage: .455

That Yankees stretch ended up being his best offensive showing in 1969. His .883 OPS with New York proved he still had something to offer when healthy and given a shot.

Seattle Pilots and Conclusion of MLB Career

After his short time with the Yankees, Simpson got traded to the Seattle Pilots. The expansion team gave him his last shot in the majors during their one and only season.

Simpson played in 26 games for the Pilots, mostly starting in center and right field. He struggled at the plate, batting just .176 with 9 hits in 51 at-bats. He did hit 2 home runs, drove in 5 runs, and stole 3 bases.

The Pilots’ first and only season marked the end of Simpson’s seven-year MLB run. He finished with a .194 average over 32 games in 1969, split between New York and Seattle.

Final Career Totals:

• Games: 288
• Batting Average: .207
• Home Runs: 15
• RBIs: 56
• Stolen Bases: 10

Simpson retired at just 25 after the 1969 season. His career spanned from 1962 to 1969, playing for six different teams in both leagues.

Career Overview and Statistics

Dick Simpson’s seven-season run in the majors went from 1962 to 1969. He finished with a .207 batting average, 15 home runs, and 56 RBIs in 288 games. Moving through six teams, he faced the grind of trying to stay consistent and had a few flashes of promise at the top level.

Batting and Fielding Records

Simpson’s career batting numbers show the struggle of a guy who never quite found his groove in the big leagues. His .207 average was well below the league average for his time.

He collected 107 hits in 518 at-bats over seven seasons. His on-base percentage was .299, and his slugging percentage .338, adding up to a .637 OPS—so, not much pop with the bat.

His best season came in 1966 with the Reds, when he hit .238 with 4 homers and 14 RBIs in 92 games. That was his longest look as a regular.

He mostly played in the outfield—right, center, and left. Stats show he moved around defensively, showing his value as a utility outfielder.

Home Runs and Stolen Bases

Simpson’s power numbers stayed pretty modest—15 home runs over seven seasons. His best year for homers was 1966, with 4 for the Reds.

He had a bit more luck on the bases, stealing 10 bases in his career. He also got caught 10 times, so a 50% success rate.

His busiest year on the bases was 1968 with Houston, when he stole 4. The next year, playing for the Pilots and Yankees, he managed 3 steals.

These numbers show the limited chances Simpson had as a regular. He usually played in platoons or as a backup outfielder throughout his big league days.

Career Highlights and Challenges

Simpson bounced around a lot during his career, suiting up for six different franchises. He played for the Los Angeles/California Angels, Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros, New York Yankees, and Seattle Pilots.

He hit his stride with Cincinnati in 1966 and 1967. Over those two seasons, he played in 136 games and hit .246, which was probably the closest he came to locking down a steady spot in the majors.

The 1968 season really threw him some curveballs. Simpson split his year between Houston and St. Louis, managing just a .197 average in 85 games. That kind of instability seemed to follow him throughout his career.

In 1969, Simpson barely saw the field. He played only 32 games, splitting time between the Seattle Pilots and New York Yankees. He made his last major league appearance on August 27, 1969, at just 26 years old. That pretty much closed the book on his pro baseball days.

Legacy and Life After Baseball

When Simpson retired in 1969, he wrapped up an eight-year run that took him all over the league. After baseball, he settled down in Venice, California. Unlike some of his old teammates, Simpson kept a pretty low profile and stayed out of the spotlight.

Personal Life and Family

After hanging up his cleats, Simpson really leaned into privacy. By the mid-2000s, he was still living in Venice and had stayed put there for quite a while.

The former outfielder went through a striking transformation as he got older. When Dooley Womack, his old Seattle Pilots teammate, bumped into him at an autograph session years later, he almost didn’t recognize him. Simpson had gone for a shaved head and a white beard, which was a far cry from how he looked during his playing days.

Simpson didn’t really stick around the game after retiring. While a lot of ex-players get into coaching or front office gigs, he seemed to step away. He kept a much quieter profile than guys like Jim Bouton, who became famous for writing “Ball Four” about their time with the 1969 Seattle Pilots.

Baseball Card Collecting and Memorabilia

Simpson’s baseball cards still have a following, especially among collectors who focus on 1960s players or the one-season-wonder Seattle Pilots. Cards from his short stint with the Pilots are especially popular since the team didn’t last long before heading to Milwaukee.

Collectors like Simpson’s cards because they capture that journeyman vibe of the era. Since he played for so many teams, you can find several different card variations from his career. Cards showing Simpson in Angels, Reds, Cardinals, Astros, Yankees, and Pilots uniforms give collectors plenty to hunt for.

You’ll sometimes spot memorabilia from Simpson’s playing days—like signed baseballs or old photos—at sports shows. He occasionally showed up at autograph sessions, like the one where he ran into Womack, so collectors could pick up a signed item or two if they were lucky.

Reflection on Career Moves and Trades

Simpson bounced around a lot during his eight seasons, landing on six different teams. You could say his career really captured what it was like for players with his skill set—he had pretty good speed, but his offense just never quite got there, finishing with a .207 batting average.

He started with the Los Angeles Angels, then moved on to Cincinnati, St. Louis, Houston, New York, and finally Seattle. That journey kind of shows what a role player’s life looked like in 1960s baseball. Teams kept hoping his speed and defense would pay off.

In 1969, he got his last shot in the majors with Seattle. The Pilots only stuck around for one year before moving, and Simpson’s career wrapped up right along with their short time in the Pacific Northwest.