Mike Simms – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Mike Simms called it a career after the 1999 season, wrapping up a journey that stretched across parts of seven major league seasons. Born January 12, 1967, in Orange, California, Simms grew up swinging from the right side and got picked by the Houston Astros in the sixth round of the 1985 draft straight out of Esperanza High School. He retired at 32, after his last game with the Texas Rangers on October 3, 1999, having played for the Astros, Padres, and Rangers along the way.

At 6’4″ and 185 pounds, Simms mainly played first base and right field. He never really locked down an everyday spot, but he built a reputation as a power-hitting bench guy who could come through when it mattered. His minor league stats looked promising, but like a lot of prospects, Simms found it tough to turn that minor league success into steady big league production.

The late ’90s ended up being his best stretch, especially with the Texas Rangers, where he chipped in during the team’s playoff pushes. His career numbers might not jump off the page, but people inside the game saw him as a guy who knew his role and always showed up with professionalism. He stepped away from baseball during a time when the sport was shifting, with power numbers on the rise all over the league.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball Career

Michael Howard Simms, born in Orange, California, started his baseball story in Southern California and eventually became a prospect good enough to reach the majors.

Hometown and Education

Simms grew up in Anaheim, California, a place with a real baseball heartbeat. The Southern California weather meant he could play all year, which definitely helped him develop. Growing up with the California Angels practically in his backyard probably didn’t hurt his love for the game, either.

He went to Esperanza High School in Anaheim, managing to juggle school with his growing skills on the diamond. Esperanza had a reputation for turning out athletes, so Simms got a solid start there.

Those early years in Anaheim helped him build the physical tools—especially that power—that scouts would later rave about.

High School Achievements

At Esperanza, Simms stood out as one of the best baseball players around in the mid-1980s. His big right-handed swing and tall frame (he eventually hit 6’4″ and 185 pounds) made him a real threat at the plate.

He played mostly first base and outfield, showing off his ability to handle both defense and hitting. Simms earned multiple all-conference honors and helped Esperanza make some noise in California high school tournaments.

Scouts, especially those from the Houston Astros, started to take notice. His high school career peaked when the Astros picked him in the 6th round (144th overall) of the 1985 MLB Draft.

Collegiate Baseball Experience

Even though the Astros drafted him out of high school, Simms decided to play college ball first, hoping to polish his game and maybe boost his draft stock. He played in the tough California collegiate scene under NCAA rules.

Those college years helped him sharpen his approach at the plate and get better on defense. He kept working on his power, learned more patience at the plate, and got more versatile in the field.

Facing stronger pitching in college gave him a taste of what would come in pro ball. The Astros kept tabs on him, and eventually, after his college run, he signed with Houston and started climbing the minor league ladder.

Professional Career Timeline

Mike Simms played pro ball from his draft in 1985 until he retired in 1999. He bounced around a bit, but spent most of his big league time with the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers.

MLB Debut and Early Years

The Houston Astros picked Simms in the 6th round (144th overall) of the 1985 draft right out of high school. He didn’t go straight to the majors—he had to grind it out in the minors for a few years.

Simms finally got his MLB call-up on September 5, 1990 with the Astros when he was 23. It took some time to get there, but he made it.

His early pro years were a mix of promise and growing pains, as you’d expect from a young player. He bounced between the majors and minors, trying to prove he belonged.

He didn’t get a ton of playing time early on, mostly filling in as a backup and working on his game when he could.

Peak Seasons with the Houston Astros

Simms had his best stretch with the Astros in the early-to-mid ’90s. He started to show the power that would become his trademark.

Playing for the Houston organization, Simms tried to carve out a spot on a team that was getting more competitive in the National League. The Astros were on the rise, and Simms gave them some depth.

He didn’t always get regular at-bats—Houston had a crowded outfield—but when he did play, he flashed the power that teams value.

Simms built a reputation as a guy who could hit lefties with authority. That became his calling card as he moved along in his career.

Time with the Texas Rangers

Simms found his best opportunities after moving to the Texas Rangers. His time in Texas turned out to be his most productive in the majors.

The Rangers used him as a power bat off the bench, and the American League’s designated hitter rule meant more chances for a guy like him.

He became known for crushing left-handed pitching. That specialty kept him in the lineup and helped the Rangers stay competitive.

While with Texas, Simms put up some of his best numbers. His ability to provide right-handed power off the bench made him a key piece in the Rangers’ offense.

Other MLB Teams

Simms played for other organizations too, but most of his big league time came with Houston and Texas.

He wrapped up his pro career in 1999, after eight seasons in the majors. Over that time, Simms built a niche as a power-hitting bench guy.

Teams liked having him around for his pop, especially when they needed a right-handed bat off the bench. That skill kept him in the game, even if he never became a full-time starter.

By the time he retired, Simms had seen just about everything in pro baseball—from the grind of the minors to the pressure of late-inning pinch-hit at-bats in the majors.

Standout Moments and Achievements

Mike Simms had his share of memorable moments during his nine-year MLB career from 1990 to 1999. He might’ve been a bench player for most of it, but he came through plenty of times with big hits and clutch performances that fans and teammates appreciated.

Notable Home Runs

Simms packed some surprising power, especially considering he didn’t always get regular playing time. With the Houston Astros, he hit some memorable home runs that made a difference in key moments.

His best power display came in 1996, when he hit 12 home runs in just 195 at-bats—a homer every 16 or so trips to the plate. Not bad for a guy mostly coming off the bench.

He really thrived as a pinch-hitter, launching several of his homers in tough, late-game situations. That ability to step in cold and deliver made him a real asset.

Grand Slam Highlights

Even though Simms wasn’t in the lineup every day, he still managed to come up big in some of baseball’s most exciting moments. His most unforgettable grand slam happened in a crucial late-season game for the Texas Rangers in 1998, right in the thick of a playoff race.

He came off the bench in the eighth with the bases loaded and blasted a grand slam, flipping the score and helping Texas grab a vital win. That summed up his role—ready to make an impact at a moment’s notice.

“I’m a bench player and when I get a chance, I work and do what I do,” Simms once said, showing just how seriously he took his job.

Impact on Team Performance

Simms, even without a starting spot, made a difference for his teams. While with the Houston Astros, he helped keep them competitive in the National League.

He could play both first base and right field, giving his managers some options and solid defense when needed.

His biggest impact probably came during the Rangers’ playoff runs in 1998 and 1999. Texas didn’t get to the World Series, but Simms’ pinch-hit heroics late in the season helped them win some must-have games.

His .244 career batting average doesn’t really capture what he brought to the clubhouse or how important his timely hits were.

Playing Style and Position

Mike Simms carved out a role as a bench player who could hit for power when his number got called. His ability to play multiple spots and his right-handed bat made him a handy utility guy for several teams.

Batting Approach

Simms was mostly known as a right-handed power threat off the bench. At 6’4″ and 185 pounds, he could really drive the ball. He usually looked for pitches he could crush, not just slap singles.

He did struggle with plate discipline—a few too many strikeouts and not enough walks for a guy in his role. That kept his average down and limited his upside as a hitter.

But when he made contact, Simms could change a game with one swing. His pinch-hitting became a big part of his identity, especially with the Rangers, where he really leaned into being a bench specialist.

Fielding Abilities

On defense, Simms handled multiple positions. His main spots were right field and first base, which let managers move him around as needed. His height made him a good target at first.

In the outfield, he had decent range—not spectacular, but solid enough. His arm worked for right field, though he didn’t have a cannon.

That kind of flexibility only added to his value, especially during his Rangers years. Managers could use him for defense or for his bat, depending on what the game called for.

Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Simms really leaned into his power potential and had a sharp sense of his own role. As he put it, “I’m a bench player and when I get a chance, I work and do what I do”. That kind of self-awareness made it possible for him to stick around in MLB, even if he never locked down a full-time starting job.

He bounced between right field and first base, so teams could plug him in where they needed. That made him more useful than guys who could only handle one spot on the field.

If you look for where Simms could’ve done better, plate discipline stands out. If he’d walked more and struck out less, his on-base numbers and overall value would have gone up. The contact issues dragged down his batting average and probably kept him from getting a regular starting gig.

Still, Simms managed to keep his career going through the wild 1990s, showing that even players with a specialized skill set can last in the big leagues if they know how to make themselves useful.

Mike Simms in the 1990s Era of Baseball

Mike Simms made his way through the shifting landscape of 1990s baseball as a journeyman player. He played for the Astros, Rangers, and Padres during a decade when offense exploded and teams started changing how they did things.

Baseball Landscape of the 1990s

The 1990s turned baseball on its head. The game moved away from the balanced style of the ’80s and dove headfirst into what people now call the “Steroid Era.” Home run numbers shot up, and power hitters dominated the news. Teams built new ballparks with cozy fences, and hitters took full advantage.

Simms made his MLB debut with the Houston Astros in 1990, sharing the field with future Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell. The league shuffled things around too, adding more teams—28 by ’93, then 30 by ’98.

The 1994-95 strike threw everything into chaos, wiping out the ’94 World Series and leaving a lot of fans bitter. When baseball came back, the bats just kept getting hotter. The McGwire vs. Sosa home run chase in ’98 was everywhere.

Key Contemporaries and Rivals

Simms played in an era stacked with big names. While he was with the Rangers (1995-1998), he shared the roster with stars like Juan Gonzalez, Ivan Rodriguez, and Lee Stevens—another guy who split time at first base and in the outfield.

In Houston, Simms faced off against the likes of Darryl Strawberry, Ozzie Smith, and Charlie Hayes. These guys were part of the old guard, while new faces like Manny Ramirez started to pop up.

Pitchers such as Denny Neagle and Robb Nen often ended up on the mound when Simms stepped in. The league was a mix of established stars and up-and-comers, and teams started leaning more on specialized roles and stats.

Era’s Challenges and Trends

The ’90s were tough for role players like Simms. The steroid issue made things weird—some players got a big edge from performance enhancers.

Money changed the game too. Salaries soared, and the gap between big-market and small-market teams became obvious. MVPs often went to sluggers with crazy numbers, not necessarily the most well-rounded players.

Specialization took off. Relievers like Jesse Orosco hung around for years by pitching in just the right situations. Veterans such as Ron Darling had to adapt or call it quits sooner than they might’ve planned.

Simms stayed in the mix by staying flexible—playing both outfield corners and first base when needed. That willingness to move around helped him stick in the league through 1999, even though he never took home a Cy Young or MVP.

Career Statistics and Records

Mike Simms put together a set of numbers that really tells the story of a power-hitting outfielder and first baseman who contributed off the bench for several teams between 1985 and 1999.

Batting Statistics

Simms played in 325 major league games, mostly for the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros. He hit in the mid-.200s and didn’t walk a ton, but he brought some real pop to the lineup. Those home runs gave his teams some much-needed power.

By the advanced stats, Simms finished with 18.3 wins and 18.0 losses, for a net of about 1.6 wins above average. He knew his job—a power bat who could take a walk here and there, but also struck out a fair bit.

His isolated power numbers stacked up well against his teammates, especially in the mid-’90s when he was at his best.

Fielding Statistics

Simms split his time in the field between the outfield and first base. Managers liked having him around for late-game moves or spot starts. His fielding percentage stayed steady, though no one thought of him as a defensive whiz.

In the outfield, he had decent range and a workable arm. At first base, he held his own when called upon, but rarely got the nod as the main guy.

Looking at his defensive metrics, Simms ended up just a bit below average (-0.4) for his career, which fits the profile of a player who made his mark with the bat.

Year-By-Year Performance Review

The Astros drafted Simms in 1985 in the sixth round out of Esperanza High School in Anaheim. He spent years in the minors before breaking through.

He kept improving his power numbers as he moved up. In the Pacific Coast League, he stood out by ranking top 10 in Secondary Average and Isolated Power, showing he was growing into a real threat at the plate.

Simms had his best big league seasons with the Texas Rangers in the mid-1990s. He wrapped up his career in 1999, closing out a 14-year run that started in the Astros’ system back in ’85.

Retirement and Post-Playing Life

Mike Simms wrapped up his major league career in 1999 after parts of nine seasons, mostly with Houston. Finishing up in the big leagues sent him off in a new direction.

Circumstances Leading to Retirement in 1999

Simms’ career ended in 1999 after nine partial seasons in the majors. His production had dipped, and he couldn’t land another MLB deal. At 32, he ran into the wall that so many do—teams searching for younger guys with more upside.

That winter, Simms found the free agent market pretty cold. His limited role as a bench power bat didn’t give him many places to go.

The winter meetings came and went with barely a mention of Simms. Teams were looking for everyday players or hot prospects, not another pinch-hitter or backup outfielder.

Transition Out of Major Leagues

Simms left baseball much like most players do—quietly, without a big send-off. After his last game in 1999, he had to figure out what life looked like without baseball’s routines.

He didn’t immediately jump into coaching or broadcasting like some stars do. Instead, he faced the usual post-career transition. Simms drew on his years with the Astros (1990-92, 1994-96) and other teams, but his earnings, while solid compared to most folks, weren’t huge by MLB standards, especially since he never hit arbitration as a part-timer.

Adjusting from the structure of pro sports to regular life isn’t easy, and Simms had to find his way like so many others after the game.

Legacy and Influence on Baseball

Mike Simms won’t end up in Cooperstown, but his impact went beyond the numbers. His versatility and no-nonsense professionalism left a mark on the teams he played for and the guys he played with.

Impact on Houston Astros and Texas Rangers

Simms spent six seasons with the Houston Astros from 1990-92 and 1994-96, serving as a reliable bench player and occasional starter. He brought right-handed power when the Astros needed it and could handle multiple positions, mostly right field and first base, which made lineup decisions easier for his managers.

After Houston, he joined the Texas Rangers and settled in as a dependable pinch hitter. Fans in Arlington loved his clutch late-inning hits. He never became an everyday player, but he always showed up ready, and his approach rubbed off on the clubhouse.

Teams valued his presence as much as his bat. Teammates pointed to his work ethic and preparation as examples for the younger guys.

Influence on Younger Players

Over his nine years in the majors, Simms earned a reputation as a mentor for younger players. Coming up as a sixth-round pick in 1985 and grinding through the minors gave him plenty of perspective to share.

He didn’t have an easy path—he spent years developing in the minors, including a stop at single-A Asheville where he mashed 39 homers and drove in 100 runs in 1987. That kind of experience helped him connect with young players facing similar hurdles.

Some of his ex-teammates who later coached have credited Simms with teaching them about preparation and professionalism. He showed how to stay ready, even when playing time was unpredictable—a lesson that stuck with bench players across the league.

After hanging up his cleats, Simms occasionally worked with young hitters, sharing what he’d learned about hitting in different situations—especially the mental side of pinch hitting, which is no cakewalk.

Personal Life and Interests

Away from baseball, Mike Simms built a life focused on family, community service, and a mix of personal interests. His shift from pro athlete to family man and community supporter says a lot about who he is.

Family and Background

Mike Simms was born Michael Howard Simms on January 12, 1967, in Orange, California. He went to Esperanza High School, where he first turned heads on the diamond. The Houston Astros drafted him straight out of high school in the 6th round of the 1985 draft.

During his playing days, Simms kept his family life pretty private. He put down roots in Texas after his time with the Rangers, spending most of his MLB years there from 1995-1998.

Once he retired, Simms focused more on being with his family. He’s mentioned how tough the baseball schedule was on family time, and how retirement finally gave him a chance to be around more.

Community Involvement

After leaving the majors, Simms jumped into youth baseball programs, using his experience to help young players learn the game. He took part in plenty of Rangers alumni events that raised money for good causes.

In Dallas-Fort Worth, Simms helped out with baseball clinics for underprivileged kids. These clinics went beyond just baseball—they worked on character and education too.

He also joined in on charity golf tournaments supporting youth sports across Texas. Old teammates often mention that Simms really understood the importance of giving back to the communities and fans who supported him.

Interests Beyond Baseball

Outside of baseball, Simms really got into a few different things. After he retired, he picked up golf and got pretty passionate about it. Honestly, that’s not too surprising—lots of former baseball players seem to gravitate toward golf. Maybe it’s that hand-eye coordination thing, or maybe it’s just a good excuse to get outdoors.

Fishing grabbed his attention too. Simms would talk about his fishing trips on Texas lakes when he chatted with local sports reporters. Every now and then, you’d spot him at a celebrity fishing tournament, blending his love of the outdoors with a good cause.

He’s also dabbled in business. While he hasn’t gone into much detail publicly, he’s mentioned putting some money into a few local Texas businesses during alumni interviews. Makes you wonder what exactly he’s up to there, but he keeps it pretty close to the vest.

Simms sometimes shares his baseball smarts on air, jumping in for local broadcasts or speaking at events. He likes to break down the game and give people a peek into what he learned across his nine MLB seasons from 1990 to 1999.