Joe Simpson put together a solid nine-year run in Major League Baseball, bouncing between three teams before finally hanging up his cleats in 1983. Born December 31, 1951, in Purcell, Oklahoma, Simpson grew into a skilled outfielder and first baseman, showing what he could do with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, and Kansas City Royals.
Simpson hit .242 for his career, with 9 home runs and 124 RBIs over 607 games between 1975 and 1983. Sure, his power numbers weren’t eye-popping, but he stood out as a speedy player who could steal a base and come through in big moments. In 1979 with Seattle, he hit .283 and became the first Mariner ever to rack up five hits in one game.
Simpson’s journey through pro baseball really shows the challenges many players face just trying to break into established lineups and stick around. From his college days at Oklahoma to fighting for playing time with the loaded Dodgers, Simpson’s career is a story of persistence and the tough reality of competing at baseball’s top level.
After retiring, he found even more success in broadcasting with the Atlanta Braves.
Early Life and Amateur Career
Joe Allen Simpson was born on December 31, 1951, in Purcell, Oklahoma. He grew up in a baseball-loving family that helped set the course for his future.
He started showing real talent early on in high school, dominating Oklahoma baseball before shining at the University of Oklahoma as a standout college player.
Family Background and Childhood in Oklahoma
Simpson arrived as a New Year’s Eve baby in 1951, born in Purcell. His dad played a huge part in sparking his love for baseball from the start.
Back in the 1950s, Simpson and his dad would sit down every morning and read through the previous day’s box scores. His father made sure he followed the New York Yankees, who seemed to win everything back then.
“Dad taught me to read about the Yankees. I mean, they were baseball,” Simpson once said. Their mornings revolved around checking in on Yankees legends like Whitey Ford, Yogi Berra, and Roger Maris.
Mickey Mantle was Simpson’s childhood hero. Mantle came from Spavinaw, Oklahoma, just about 170 miles from where Simpson grew up. That local connection made Mantle even more special for Joe.
“Mantle’s how I learned to read,” Simpson said, remembering how tracking Mantle’s stats actually helped him pick up reading skills. He’d pore over box scores, checking if Mantle homered or went two-for-four.
Education and High School Baseball
Simpson attended Norman High School in Norman, Oklahoma. He quickly became one of the state’s best baseball talents.
His senior year in 1970 really stood out.
The lefty outfielder put up big numbers in his last high school season. He batted .435 and picked up several honors for his play.
His achievements included:
- All-Boomer Conference first team selection
- All-Oklahoma first team honors
- Led his team to the Class 4-A state championship
Simpson’s mix of hitting and leadership helped put Norman High School on the map as a baseball powerhouse. Winning the state title capped off years of hard work in Oklahoma’s tough high school baseball scene.
Collegiate Career at University of Oklahoma
He kept his baseball journey going at the University of Oklahoma, where he became an All-American outfielder and first baseman. He studied marketing while also making a name as one of the best college players around.
Simpson made a quick impact on the Sooners. He led Oklahoma to two NCAA World Series appearances, boosting the program’s national reputation.
He set several school records that lasted for years:
- 93 runs (career record at the time)
- 125 hits (career record at the time)
- 27 doubles (career record at the time)
Simpson’s speed went hand-in-hand with his hitting, making him a complete player. Getting named an All-American showed just how good he was among college players.
The Los Angeles Dodgers picked Simpson in the third round of the 1973 draft, seeing real potential in the Oklahoma standout. His college success opened the door to pro baseball, even though the road ahead wouldn’t be easy.
Path to Major League Baseball
Joe Simpson’s road to the majors started with his standout college career at Oklahoma, where he became an All-American at both outfield and first base. MLB scouts noticed, and the Los Angeles Dodgers grabbed him in the 1973 draft.
MLB Draft Selection by Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers picked Simpson in the third round of the 1973 MLB Draft. He’d already built an impressive resume at Oklahoma as a bat-and-throw-left All-American.
His college years were packed with achievements. He led the Sooners to the NCAA World Series twice and set records for runs, hits, and doubles.
The Dodgers’ selection showed their faith in his skills. Simpson’s speed and knack for making contact made him a solid prospect. By draft day, he had already finished his marketing degree at Oklahoma.
Simpson’s high school numbers also helped his draft stock. In 1970, he hit .435 as a senior at Norman High, earned All-Boomer Conference and All-Oklahoma first team honors, and led his team to a state championship.
Minor League Development and Early Performance
Simpson jumped right into pro ball after the draft, starting with the Pacific Coast League Albuquerque Dukes in 1973. In his debut, he stole a base, drove in a run, and even threw out a runner at home.
The PCL was tough for a rookie. Simpson struggled at first, later admitting, “It was a compliment I was even there.” The Dodgers shifted him to Bakersfield in the California League, where he finally found his groove.
At Bakersfield, Simpson hit .304 with 24 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. That performance got him promoted to Waterbury in the Eastern League for 1974, where he batted .298—good for sixth-best in the league.
He added 30 RBIs and swiped 18 bags at Waterbury, earning an All-Star nod. Over his time in the Dodgers’ farm system from 1973-78, he hit a strong .303.
Breaking into the big league roster wasn’t easy, though. The Dodgers had a loaded farm system and plenty of major league talent, making it tough for young players like Simpson to get a shot.
Major League Career Overview
Joe Simpson played nine years in the majors, from 1975 to 1983. He built a reputation as a reliable outfielder, known for his speed and defensive abilities.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 175 pounds, Simpson had a unique mix of height and athleticism. He played mostly center field but could handle all three outfield spots.
Playing Style and Position Versatility
Simpson’s game revolved around speed and sharp defensive instincts. As a lefty batter and thrower, he got on base and created havoc with his legs.
With the Seattle Mariners, Simpson swiped 30 bases in 1975 and then 40 in 1976 while still in the minors. That speed carried over to the majors, where he earned a reputation for base-running.
He showed versatility throughout his career, playing all three outfield positions and even some first base from his college days.
Teams valued his adaptability. He often filled in as a pinch-hitter or defensive sub, always staying ready for whatever the game threw his way.
Role as an Outfielder
Simpson brought most of his value through defense. His 6-foot-3 frame gave him extra range in center field, letting him chase down balls that others might not reach.
On August 27, 1979, he made Mariners history by becoming the first player on the team to collect five hits in a single game. That came against Cleveland in a 12-inning, 6-5 win.
His bat wasn’t flashy but was still important. Simpson hit .283 in 120 games during his first year with Seattle in 1979, his best season in the big leagues.
His career batting average of .242 reflected his role as more of a utility guy than an everyday starter. Over nine seasons, he played in 607 games, drove in 124 runs, and hit 9 home runs.
Physical Attributes and Skills
At 175 pounds, Simpson was built like the classic speedy outfielder of his era. His height—6-foot-3—set him apart from a lot of players, including even Mickey Mantle, who was a few inches shorter.
Simpson’s left-handed swing and throwing arm helped him against right-handed pitching. Coaches tried to help him find more power, with some success when he was in the minors.
Defense was his bread and butter. He had a strong arm and a knack for reading fly balls off the bat. Tracking down deep drives in center was just part of his skill set.
Speed stayed his calling card all the way through his career. Even as he got older, he used his base-running and defensive range to stay valuable as a bench player and specialist.
Team Tenures and Notable Accomplishments
Joe Simpson played for three organizations over his nine-year career. His best years came with the Seattle Mariners, after struggling to break through with the loaded Los Angeles Dodgers. He finished up with Kansas City in 1983.
Time with Los Angeles Dodgers
Simpson joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1973, right after they drafted him. From 1975 to 1979, he mostly bounced between the big league club and Triple-A Albuquerque.
Even though he hit .303 in the minors and did well in spring training, he couldn’t find regular playing time. The Dodgers just had too much talent for young players to get a real shot.
One of his more memorable moments came on October 1, 1978, when he became victim number 3,000 for Gaylord Perry’s career strikeouts. In a weird twist, Simpson later found out he was actually Perry’s 3,000th strikeout twice in the same game because of a scoring mix-up.
He never played more than 29 games or had more than 30 at-bats in any season with Los Angeles. Lack of power—just 15 home runs in six pro years at that point—hurt his chances with the defending National League champs.
Impact with Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners picked up Simpson in 1979 after the Dodgers let him go. This move finally gave him a shot at regular playing time.
1979 was his best year, as he hit .283 in 120 games. He hit his first big league homer on April 25 off Boston’s Tom Burgmeier, and then hit a clutch pinch-hit two-run homer against Baltimore on April 30.
On August 27, 1979, Simpson made Mariners history as the first player to get five hits in a game. He singled four times, then doubled in the 12th to help Seattle top Cleveland 6-5.
Fans in Boston even gave him the nickname “Okie Joe” and would sing songs from Oklahoma! when he played center at Fenway Park. That had to be a trip.
He wrapped up his time in Seattle in 1982 with a .257 average, but he hit .284 after the All-Star break. The team decided not to bring him back, wanting to go younger and keep an eye on payroll.
Final Year with Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals gave Simpson a one-year contract for the 1983 season. That deal ended up being his last shot in Major League Baseball.
Simpson loved the old-school feel of Royals Stadium in Kansas City. He once told the Kansas City Star he wished he “could get in a time machine and go back and watch a game at Ebbets Field.”
He didn’t get much playing time with the Royals. They mostly used him off the bench or as an occasional starter.
Simpson played his final game on October 1, 1983, facing the Oakland Athletics. He went 0-for-0 that day, wrapping up his major league career at age 31.
After his stint in Kansas City, Simpson finished with a .242 batting average, 338 hits, 9 home runs, and 124 RBIs in 607 games. The stats might look modest, but his journey from the Dodgers’ farm system to becoming a fan favorite in Seattle says a lot about his grit.
Major Achievements and Statistics
Joe Simpson played nine years in the majors from 1975-1983, putting up a .242 batting average with 9 home runs and 124 RBIs in 607 games. His biggest highlight came on August 27, 1979, when he became the first Seattle Mariner to rack up five hits in a single game. Later, his work in broadcasting got him into the Braves Hall of Fame.
Career Batting and Fielding Performance
Simpson put together solid, if not flashy, numbers during his time with the Dodgers, Mariners, and Royals. That .242 average reflected his role as a utility player and pinch-hitter for most of his career.
He had his best season in 1979 with Seattle, batting .283 over 120 games. That year, he finally got regular playing time at the big league level.
Simpson’s speed stood out, especially in the minors. He stole 30 bases in 1975 and 40 more in 1976 with the Dodgers’ Triple-A club.
Key Career Statistics:
- Games: 607
- Batting Average: .242
- Home Runs: 9
- RBIs: 124
- Best Season: 1979 (.283 average)
He didn’t hit for much power, averaging just one home run every 155 at-bats. Teams mostly called on him to pinch-hit or come in for defense.
Memorable Milestones and Highlights
Simpson hit a few memorable milestones that kept his name in baseball circles. On August 27, 1979, he became the first Mariner to notch five hits in a game, doing it against Cleveland. He finished with four singles and a double in the 12th, helping Seattle pull out a 6-5 win.
His first big league home run came on April 25, 1979, off Boston’s Tom Burgmeier. Just five days later, he hit a dramatic two-run pinch-hit homer in the ninth against Baltimore, though the Orioles won 8-7 an inning later.
Simpson also found himself in the record books thanks to Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry. On October 1, 1978, Perry struck him out for what was believed to be his 3,000th career strikeout. Later, baseball records showed Simpson had actually been both the 2,999th and 3,000th strikeout in that same game because of a scoring mix-up.
Back in college at the University of Oklahoma, Simpson played a huge role for the Sooners. He helped lead them to two NCAA World Series trips and set school records for runs (93), hits (125), and doubles (27).
Braves Hall of Fame Induction
After his playing days, Simpson found a second career as a broadcaster with the Atlanta Braves, which led to his induction into the Braves Hall of Fame. He joined the Braves in 1992 and quickly became a familiar voice on their radio and TV broadcasts.
His broadcasting career has lasted over thirty years. Fans have grown used to his humor and sharp baseball insights, both shaped by his years on the field.
The Braves Hall of Fame honored him for both his contributions to the team and his ability to connect with fans. His playing background gave his commentary an authenticity that fans really seemed to appreciate.
Simpson’s induction capped off a baseball journey that went from player to respected media figure. His impact on the sport stretches well beyond his playing stats.
Life After Retirement from Professional Baseball
After hanging up his cleats in 1983, Joe Simpson jumped right into broadcasting and became one of the most familiar voices in baseball media. He’s spent more than thirty years with the Atlanta Braves, becoming a staple of their broadcast crew.
Transition to Broadcasting and Media
Simpson started his broadcast career in 1987 with the Seattle Mariners. He spent four years there, picking up the skills he’d use later in Atlanta.
His experience as a player gave him a unique take on the game. He knew firsthand what it was like to fight for a roster spot, especially after the Dodgers limited his big league chances despite solid minor league numbers.
Key Broadcasting Milestones:
- 1987-1991: Seattle Mariners radio and television broadcaster
- 1992: Joined Atlanta Braves broadcast team
- 2025: In his 33rd season with the Braves
Simpson’s sense of humor, which fans noticed when he played, became a hallmark of his broadcasting. He connected with listeners because he spoke from experience and didn’t try to sound too polished.
Legacy with the Atlanta Braves
Since 1992, Simpson has been a key piece of the Atlanta Braves identity. He’s been there for some of the franchise’s best years, including the 1995 World Series win.
He mainly works TV broadcasts, often teaming up with different play-by-play announcers. Simpson does more than just call the action—he gives analysis shaped by his own time as a pro.
Over the years, Simpson has seen a lot change in MLB. He’s covered several generations of Braves players and become a trusted voice for fans across the Southeast.
His long run with the Braves shows just how much the organization values him. Not many broadcasters stick with one team for this long, so Simpson’s career stands out in today’s baseball media.
Continued Influence in Baseball
Simpson keeps shaping baseball, and his impact reaches far past just broadcasting. He shares insights that help new fans really get the hang of the game’s quirks and history.
You’ll hear his voice on 680 The Fan and Braves broadcasts, which lets him stay pretty close to the baseball community.
His playing days? Those absolutely give his commentary an extra layer of credibility. Simpson spent nine seasons in the majors, so he gets the grind and pressure that pro ball brings. That’s something you just can’t fake or learn from the outside.
Unlike folks who only trained in media, Simpson brings a player’s perspective that’s hard to match.
He’s not just sitting behind a mic either. The former outfielder still jumps into different baseball-related activities and keeps up relationships all over the sport.
Honestly, his move from player to broadcaster stands out as one of the better career shifts in baseball media. Simpson shows how ex-players can turn their experience into lasting media gigs. He’s kind of a blueprint for athletes who want something meaningful after their playing days end.
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