1977 ted simmons

it looks like o-pee-chee was up to their typical tricks again in 1977, this time adjusting ted simmons' photo ever so slightly, and moving his facsimile autograph around.  here is his 1977 o-pee-chee card:

here's the topps front:

it looks like the photo just got moved up in the window slightly as there is more of simmons' back pocket showing on the o-pee-chee version with less head room.

now the o-pee-chee back:

a babe ruth comic!

and the topps back:

simmons caught in 143 games in 1977, down slightly from his career high of 154 in 1975.  he did set a career high with his .318 batting average which he posted along with 21 homers and 95 rbi.  he was named to the all-star team for the fourth time (he went 0 for 3 in the game) and finished 9th in the 1977 national league mvp voting.

voici à vous, 1977 ted simmons!

1981 ted simmons

ted simmons went from the cardinals to the brewers in the december 1980 rollie fingers trade. here is his 1981 o-pee-chee card:

here's the topps front:

now the o-pee-chee back:

and the topps back:

despite hitting just .216 for the brew crew in '81, simmons was named to the american league all-star team. in the midsummer classic, simmons hit a pinch-hit rbi single off of burt hooton to drive in the american league's 4th run of the game and give them a 2-run lead. rollie fingers would later give up a two-run homer to mike schmidt as the nl came back to win the game.

simmons had a much better season in 1982, with a .269 average, 23 home runs and 97 rbi, helping the brewers get back to the playoffs and into the world series for the first time. he may be the best eligible offensive catcher not in the hall of fame.


voici à vous, 1981 ted simmons!