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

Wayne Simpson’s professional baseball career shone brightly, though it didn’t last long. From 1970 to 1977, he made a memorable debut and quickly became known as one of the most promising young pitchers of his time. As a right-hander, he racked up a 36-31 record in 123 games over seven years, pitching for the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Philadelphia Phillies, and California Angels.

Simpson’s rookie year in 1970 was just incredible. He won 13 of his first 14 decisions, snagged an All-Star spot, and helped anchor the Reds’ rotation. His fastball was so electric, folks compared him to Bob Gibson, and Johnny Bench once said Simpson threw harder than anyone he’d ever caught.

But things changed fast. In July 1970, Simpson tore his rotator cuff, and that injury stuck with him for the rest of his career. He kept fighting, bouncing between teams and making comeback attempts.

He finally retired in 1977. It’s hard not to wonder what might have happened if injuries hadn’t gotten in his way.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Wayne Kirby Simpson was born December 2, 1948, in Los Angeles, California. His parents, James and Imogene Jackson Simpson, both worked for the postal service.

At Centennial High School in Compton, Simpson showed off his athletic skills in both football and baseball. The Cincinnati Reds picked him in the first round of the 1967 draft.

Childhood and Background

Wayne grew up in a blended family in Los Angeles. His parents’ steady jobs gave Wayne and his siblings a solid, middle-class childhood.

He lived with his biological sister, a stepbrother, and a stepsister. He even had a distant cousin, Scipio Spinks, who pitched in the majors in the early ‘70s.

Back then, Los Angeles was a hotbed for baseball talent. The youth programs there churned out plenty of future big leaguers.

Simpson joined Chet Brewer’s youth baseball program in Watts. Brewer, a former Negro Leagues pitcher, later scouted and coached kids in the area.

“He was an excellent teacher,” Simpson said in 2011. “I wish I’d known more about him at the time, I know more now.”

Centennial High School Achievements

At Centennial High School in Compton, Simpson starred as both a quarterback and pitcher. The school had already produced major leaguers like Roy White, Reggie Smith, and Don Wilson.

Simpson played quarterback in a “modern-type offense” and was known for his scrambling style. He actually turned down several college football scholarships.

In baseball, he threw a no-hitter in March 1967 for Centennial. He also played for Compton’s Magellan C. Mars American Legion team with other future pros.

During American Legion ball, Simpson delivered some eye-catching performances. He tossed a no-hitter and a seven-inning one-hitter with 20 strikeouts.

1967 MLB Draft and Signing

The Cincinnati Reds picked Wayne Kirby Simpson with the eighth overall pick in the 1967 MLB June Amateur Draft. Scout Larry Barton and supervisor Al Zarilla pushed for the Reds to select him.

Simpson chose baseball over football. At the time, Black quarterbacks didn’t get many chances at mostly white colleges, so baseball seemed like the better shot.

The Reds sent him to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in the Class A Northern League to start his pro career. His signing bonus and contract reflected how highly they valued him.

Choosing Cincinnati turned out to be a big deal. The Reds were laying the groundwork for the “Big Red Machine” dynasty of the 1970s.

Major League Debut and Breakout Rookie Season

Wayne Simpson exploded onto the MLB scene in 1970, delivering one of the best rookie seasons in Cincinnati Reds history. At just 21, he won 13 of his first 14 decisions and made the All-Star team, forming a strong duo with Johnny Bench.

Cincinnati Reds Debut in 1970

Simpson debuted in the majors on April 9, 1970, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. His parents and about 20 family and friends watched as he took the mound.

He faced only 29 batters in a complete game shutout, giving up just two hits and no walks in a 3-0 win over the Dodgers.

At 21, Simpson broke into the majors with the Reds. He’d just wrapped up a great winter season in Puerto Rico, where Pat Corrales helped him sharpen his control.

He hadn’t expected to make the big league roster that spring, but his strong spring training performance earned him a spot in the rotation.

Standout Performances and Game Scores

In his third big league start, Simpson dominated the San Francisco Giants with a one-hitter at home. That game really put him on the map as a rising National League star.

His only first-half loss came from unearned runs, not his pitching. Simpson kept his ERA under 3.00 through the first half of the season.

On July 5, he beat the Astros 3-1, allowing just four hits. He showed he could pitch well even when the Reds’ offense didn’t give him much support.

Simpson’s rookie year was the high point of his career. He finished with 36 career wins and 31 losses in the majors.

Rookie All-Star Recognition

Simpson’s stellar first half got him on the 1970 National League All-Star team. Winning 13 of his first 14 decisions made him one of the most successful rookie pitchers around.

People compared him to stars like Tom Seaver and Steve Carlton. Al Oliver from the Pirates called him “outstanding” and put him among the league’s best.

He got compared to Bob Gibson a lot, thanks to his height, power, and mound presence. His velocity and movement made him tough for hitters.

Getting picked for the All-Star team was the peak of his rookie year. That recognition came right before his rotator cuff injury at the end of July.

Role with Johnny Bench

Johnny Bench caught Simpson for most of that breakout 1970 season. The future Hall of Famer was wowed by Simpson’s raw power and electric stuff.

Bench later said Simpson “wore me out” and threw harder than anyone he’d ever caught. In his book “Catch Every Ball,” Bench said he’d “never seen more explosive stuff.”

After Simpson’s win over the Astros, Bench told umpire Ken Burkhardt, “I’m glad I’m catching and not hitting.” Simpson’s fastball buried Bench’s hand in his glove more than once.

That fastball had so much movement, hitters couldn’t predict where it would go. Bench said, “You never know which way his fastball is going to go. It tails, it sinks, it sails.”

Simpson also worked up a tricky change-up to go with his fastball. Bench called it nasty, saying, “He throws it up to the plate and the bottom drops out.”

Career Highlights and Notable Moments

Wayne Simpson’s baseball career had some unforgettable moments, especially his rookie season in 1970. He won 13 of his first 14 decisions and made the All-Star team. He was also on the mound when Hank Aaron got his 3,000th hit, and his fastball made even Johnny Bench take notice.

Hank Aaron’s 3,000th Hit

On May 17, 1970, Simpson found himself in the middle of history. Hank Aaron got his 3,000th career hit off him during Simpson’s amazing rookie year.

Aaron became just the ninth player in MLB history to reach 3,000 hits. Simpson was already making a name for himself as one of the National League’s best young arms.

Giving up a milestone hit might sound rough, but it actually put Simpson in the spotlight. Aaron facing him in such a big moment showed how much respect Simpson had earned.

That day still stands out in Simpson’s career, tying him forever to one of baseball’s all-time greats and a huge milestone.

Postseason and Team Contributions

Simpson played a big part in the Cincinnati Reds’ success in the early ‘70s. His rookie year helped set up the pitching staff for what became the Big Red Machine dynasty.

During the first half of 1970, Simpson dominated hitters with an ERA under 3.00. That performance got him an All-Star nod, joining teammates like Johnny Bench.

He did more than just rack up stats. Simpson gave the Reds’ rotation some much-needed stability as they built a championship team. The Reds would go on to reach four World Series and win two titles in the ‘70s.

Bench often praised Simpson, saying nobody threw harder that year. That kind of pitching helped make the Reds a powerhouse on both sides of the ball.

Pitching Style and Signature Pitches

Simpson’s biggest weapon was his fastball, which Johnny Bench couldn’t stop talking about. In 2002, when someone asked who threw the hardest, Bench didn’t hesitate—he said Simpson, especially in 1970.

Standing 6’3” and weighing 220 pounds, Simpson looked the part. His fastball had crazy movement—Bench said, “You never know which way his fastball is going to go. It tails, it sinks, it sails.”

He also threw a nasty change-up. Bench described it as, “He throws it up to the plate and the bottom drops out.” That mix made Simpson a nightmare for hitters when he was at his best.

People compared his style to Bob Gibson’s, thanks to his size, power, and the way he intimidated hitters. Simpson could overpower batters, though he sometimes struggled with walks.

Teams Played For and Career Progression

Wayne Simpson pitched for four teams in the majors from 1970 to 1977. His journey took him from the powerhouse Cincinnati Reds to the Kansas City Royals, Philadelphia Phillies, and California Angels.

Cincinnati Reds Years

Simpson kicked off his MLB career with the Cincinnati Reds on April 9, 1970, at age 21. The Reds had drafted him eighth overall in 1967 out of Centennial High School in Compton.

His rookie season was a showstopper. Simpson finished with a 14-3 record and a 3.02 ERA, making the 1970 All-Star team as the only rookie pitcher.

He started the season by winning 13 of his first 14 decisions. His only loss came after a dropped pop fly allowed two unearned runs.

Simpson threw a one-hitter, a two-hitter, and a three-hitter in complete games. He helped the Reds get off to a blazing 70-30 start.

With Gold Glove catcher Johnny Bench, Simpson looked headed for stardom. But his season ended suddenly on July 31 when he suffered a severe rotator cuff injury.

He tried to come back twice that year, but the injury was just too much. The Reds made it to the World Series, but Simpson couldn’t pitch in the postseason.

He stayed with Cincinnati through 1972, but never quite got back to his rookie-year level. His injury happened before doctors could reliably fix rotator cuffs.

Kansas City Royals Stint

On December 1, 1972, the Reds traded Simpson and Hal McRae to the Kansas City Royals. Cincinnati got Roger Nelson and Richie Scheinblum in return.

That trade shifted Simpson from the National League to the American League. Kansas City hoped a new environment might help the former All-Star pitcher regain his edge.

Simpson pitched for the Royals in the 1973 season. His velocity and control just didn’t bounce back to what he’d shown during his rookie year.

The Royals were still building their franchise at that time. Simpson struggled to adapt his pitching style without his old fastball.

Philadelphia Phillies Experience

Simpson joined the Philadelphia Phillies for the 1975 season and returned to the National League. The Phillies were piecing together what would soon become a strong team in the mid-1970s.

His stint in Philadelphia was short, just one season. Simpson kept battling the lingering effects of his 1970 rotator cuff injury while with the Phillies.

The NL East was getting tougher during those years. Simpson’s role with the Phillies stayed limited as he tried to find his spot in the rotation.

California Angels and Final MLB Season

Simpson wrapped up his Major League career with the California Angels in 1977. He made his final MLB appearance on September 29, 1977, against the Kansas City Royals.

The Angels became Simpson’s fourth and last team. In his last game, he pitched 4.2 innings, gave up 11 hits and 5 earned runs in a losing effort.

Simpson finished with a 36-31 record, a 4.37 ERA, and 353 strikeouts over six seasons. He played in both the National and American Leagues.

After he left the Angels, Simpson continued pitching professionally in Mexico. There, he developed thoracic outlet syndrome, which threatened his pitching arm and even his life, but he eventually recovered after medical procedures.

Statistical Overview and Performance Analysis

Wayne Simpson spent eight years in the majors, finishing with 65 wins and 65 losses and a 3.92 ERA over 184 games. His stats tell the story of a pitcher who started with a bang but ran into some hard luck.

Career Statistics and Metrics

Simpson put up a balanced 65-65 win-loss record from 1970 to 1977. He appeared in 184 games, showing up for his teams even while dealing with challenges.

His breakout season came in 1970 as a rookie with the Cincinnati Reds. That year, he earned All-Star recognition, and people started talking about him as one of baseball’s top young arms.

Simpson played for several teams, including the Reds and Angels. Lasting eight seasons in the majors showed his ability to adapt and contribute at a high level.

He made his last appearance on September 29, 1977, facing the Kansas City Royals. That day, he threw 4.2 innings, allowed 11 hits and 5 earned runs, and struck out 4.

WAR and Advanced Metrics

Simpson’s Wins Above Replacement (WAR) totaled 1.6 for his career. That number puts him below the average big leaguer, reflecting the struggles he faced staying consistent.

His WAR7 score also came in at 1.6, so his best seven years matched his career total. The JAWS metric, which combines career and peak value, landed at 1.6 as well.

These advanced stats suggest he provided modest value compared to replacement-level players. With a Black Ink score of 3 and a Grey Ink score of 7, Simpson rarely led in any major stat categories.

Overall, the numbers point to a pitcher who stuck around in the majors but never quite hit elite heights.

ERA, WHIP, and Efficiency

Simpson’s career ERA of 3.92 put him just a bit above league average for his era. That shows he could limit runs, even if consistency sometimes slipped away.

His WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) and other efficiency stats left room for improvement. Control issues sometimes got in the way of his effectiveness.

His innings pitched totals bounced around over his career. Simpson’s workload dropped in later years as he moved between starting and relief roles.

His strikeout numbers stayed modest. He didn’t overpower hitters—he relied more on getting outs with help from his defense.

Injuries, Comebacks, and Retirement

Wayne Kirby Simpson’s career changed dramatically after a rotator cuff injury in 1970. He spent years fighting through physical pain and team changes before retiring in 1977.

Rotator Cuff Injury and Impact

On July 31, 1970, Simpson’s rookie season ended suddenly with “a sudden pop” in his shoulder. He tore his rotator cuff, a crushing injury for any pitcher, especially one who had just made the All-Star team.

The damage was bad. People compared Simpson to Bob Gibson, and Johnny Bench called him the hardest thrower he ever caught. After the injury, though, his fastball just never came back.

Manager Sparky Anderson and others sometimes wondered if Simpson’s struggles were mental, not just physical. That doubt just made his recovery even tougher.

The back of Simpson’s 1972 Topps baseball card mentioned his struggles. It listed his 4-7 record, 4.76 ERA, and 77 walks in 117 innings in 1971. The card put it gently: “Wayne’s shoulder was slow coming around in 1971 after his injury the year before.”

Simpson kept pitching through the torn rotator cuff, risking his health every time he took the mound. The injury eventually threatened blood vessels in his shoulder, putting his arm—and his life—on the line.

Trades and Transitions

Simpson’s injury forced him to bounce between teams as clubs gave up hope on his recovery. He played for the Cincinnati Reds through 1975, and moved to the Kansas City Royals in 1973.

The Philadelphia Phillies picked up Simpson during his struggles. Each club hoped he’d find his old form, but the rotator cuff damage was just too much.

Simpson missed all of 1974 trying to recover his shoulder. That long absence showed just how serious the injury was and how hard it was to get back to major league shape.

After playing for Kansas City in 1973, Simpson missed all of 1976. That year off was another attempt to heal up and get ready for one last comeback.

Final Year in 1977 and Retirement

The California Angels signed Simpson for the 1977 season. This was his last shot at the majors after missing all of 1976 with shoulder trouble.

Simpson’s 1977 run with the Angels was short and marked the end of his big league career. His performance showed just how much that old rotator cuff injury still affected him.

By early 1979, Simpson finally gave up on pitching professionally. Doctors warned him that if he kept going, he could lose his arm or face life-threatening problems. The damage to his shoulder’s blood vessels had reached a dangerous point.

Simpson had “literally almost pitched his arm off” trying to come back. His drive to keep playing, despite the risks, showed just how much he loved the game.

Legacy in Major Leagues

Wayne Kirby Simpson finished with a 36-31 record across 123 games from 1970 to 1977. His story really shows how quickly things can change in pro baseball.

Simpson’s hot start in 1970 still stands out. He won 13 of his first 14 big league decisions and made the All-Star team as a rookie. Hank Aaron got his 3,000th hit off Simpson, tying the young pitcher to one of baseball’s biggest moments.

His injury happened back when rotator cuff surgery wasn’t nearly as advanced as it is now. Simpson’s struggles showed just how few options players had in the 1970s.

The difference between his early success and what followed is a reminder of how fragile a baseball career can be. Simpson’s determination to keep playing, even after doctors warned him, says a lot about what it takes to compete at that level.

Personal Life, Post-Career Activities, and Net Worth

Wayne Simpson’s life after baseball was shaped by ongoing health struggles from his rotator cuff injury and, eventually, his death in December 2024. The pitcher who once threw harder than anyone, according to Johnny Bench, faced serious challenges that lasted long after his playing days.

Life After Retirement

Simpson officially retired from pro baseball in 1977 after his arm injury made it impossible to keep pitching. The rotator cuff tear from July 31, 1970, had changed his career path and quality of life for good.

After retirement, Simpson mostly stayed out of the spotlight. Unlike some former players who go into coaching or broadcasting, his injury kept him from the usual post-baseball gigs.

The former Reds star stuck close to his Los Angeles roots after baseball. His family, with parents James and Imogene Jackson Simpson working for the post office, gave him a solid foundation as he adjusted to life after sports.

Health Challenges and Recovery

Simpson’s life after baseball was dominated by the long-term effects of his rotator cuff injury. The damage to his shoulder threatened not just his career, but his health and ability to move.

Doctors warned Simpson that pitching again could cause permanent damage to the blood vessels in his shoulder. He faced real risks, like losing use of his arm or even worse.

He suffered this injury at a time when rotator cuff surgery wasn’t what it is today. Simpson’s story highlights how devastating these injuries were for pitchers in the 1970s, when medical options were far more limited than now.

Net Worth and Continued Influence

Nobody really knows the exact details about Simpson’s net worth or what his finances looked like after he retired. He played in the 1970s, way before baseball players started landing those massive million-dollar contracts you see today.

Simpson’s major league career didn’t last long, but wow, it was impressive. He made the 1970 All-Star team, and people even compared him to Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Gibson.

He really left a mark when Hank Aaron got his 3,000th career hit off him. That moment alone kind of sealed his legacy.

Simpson influenced the game in ways that stats don’t always show. He connected with other players and played a part in some of baseball’s big moments.

His story still reminds us how quickly injuries can change the course of a promising sports career.