Ted Simmons

Ted Lyle Simmons, nicknamed "Simba," is an American former professional baseball catcher born August 9, 1949. He played 21 seasons in Major League Baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, and Atlanta Braves, and is regarded as one of the best hitting catchers in MLB history. Though often overshadowed by his contemporary Johnny Bench, and despite lesser power numbers, Simmons hit for a higher batting average while playing his home games in a notoriously tough hitter's park.

At the time of his retirement, Simmons led all catchers in career hits and doubles, ranked second in RBIs behind Yogi Berra, and second in total bases behind Carlton Fisk. He retired holding the National League record for home runs by a switch-hitter, despite spending several seasons in the American League. A switch-hitter, he batted .300 seven times and hit 20 home runs six times. Behind the plate he caught 122 shutouts, the eighth-most all-time.

Simmons was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in December 2019 and was formally enshrined in 2021. On July 31, 2021, the Cardinals honored him with the retirement of his jersey number 23, along with a statue.