Skip to main content

Sunday School: History Lesson 14

By
Curt Simmons made his Major League debut for the Phillies at age 18 and, over time, became one of the team's most dependable starting pitchers.


The lefty signed with the team in 1947 for $65,000 following an exhibition game set up by team owner Bob Carpenter. Much to everyone's surprise, Curt Simmons struck out eleven Phils in the game, which ended in a 4-4 tie. Upon signing, Simmons was assigned to Wilmington, in the minor leagues. After striking out 197 batters in 147 minor league innings, Simmons was promoted to the Major League club for the final week of the 1947 season. In Simmons debut, he beat the Giants at Shibe Park 3-1, giving up just 5 hits and striking out 9.


The following season, Simmons had a rough go of it, and started off slowly. In his first start of the season, he struggled to find the strike zone, as he walked 7 of the 14 batters he faced. Over his first two full seasons with the Phillies, Simmons' control hurt him. He was a combined 11-23 in 1948 and 1949.


That magical Whiz Kids season of 1950 was when it all really came together for Simmons, who was still just 21 years old at the time. His record was 17-8 with a 3.40 ERA when he was summoned to military duty in early September. His disappearance from the starting rotation nearly cost our Phillies the pennant. Simmons was valuable to the squad and they missed his skills, but ended up clinching the pennant on the final day of the season.


Simmons of course would miss the World Series in 1950, and missed the entire following season serving his duties to the United States in the Korean War. He returned for the 1952 season and did not seem to miss a step. He went 14-8 with a 2.82 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. His 6 shut outs would lead the National League in '52.


In 1953, Curt Simmons came within a single hit of pitching a perfect game. On May 16th, Simmons surrendered a single to lead-off hitter, Bill Bruton, then retired the next 27 batters, in order, to win the game 3-0.


Simmons pitched for the Phillies all the way through the '50's until he was released after struggling in 4 appearances in 1960. He was later signed as a free agent by St. Louis, and exceeded 195 innings pitched in a season for the Cardinals 4 times, and he helped St. Louis reach the World Series in 1964, with an 18-9 record. His career record with Philadelphia was 115-110, with a 3.66 ERA.


*********************
Read more about the Whiz Kids by clicking the "1950" link below and read more Sunday School entries by checking out the "Sunday School" link below.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Jersey Shore clinches playoff berth on final day of regular season

By
Ottto Kemp, image- Jay Floyd With an extra-inning victory over first-half division champions Hudson Valley on Sunday, the Class A Advanced Jersey Shore BlueClaws clinched the team's first playoff appearance since 2018, winning the second-half division title. Key performers in the BlueClaws' clincher were righty hurler Jason Ruffcorn, who threw three innings of relief to earn the victory and third baseman Otto Kemp, notched three hits, a walk, two stolen bases and plated the game winning run in the 11th inning on a sacrifice fly.  On top of that, Kemp, who turned 24-years-old on Saturday, made an absolute game-saving defensive play to help the club hold their lead in the bottom of the 11th frame. One of Jersey Shore's most consistent performers all season long has been right-handed reliever Cam Wynne.  The Phillies' 20th round draft pick in 2021 out of Nebraska.  In 34 appearances, one start, the 24-year-old tallied a 1-1 record with one save, a 2.44 ERA and a .190 batti
Post a Comment
Read more

PhoulBallz Interview: BlueClaws OF Justin Crawford

By
Justin Crawford w/ junior reporter Evan At the age of 19, outfielder Justin Crawford has played his way into the conversation of being considered as one of baseball's top prospects. The son of four-time MLB All-Star Carl Crawford, Justin has looked every bit as impressive as his position as the 17th overall draft selection last year would have most fans thinking he should be.  He opened the season with Class A Clearwater where, in 69 games, he notched a .344/.399/.478 slash line.  And since mid-August when he was promoted to Class A Advanced Jersey Shore, the younger Crawford has posted a .300/.364/.440 line.  He's also stolen 44 bases in 52 attempts overall. And while the BlueClaws enter the final week of the regular season 1/2 game out of first place in their division, I spoke with Justin Crawford about the team's hopes of making the postseason for the first time since 2018. I also asked Justin about the similarities and differences between his skillset and his father'
Post a Comment
Read more

This Guy Speaks For All of You

By
This individual, interviewed by FOX 29 on Friday as the Phillies arrived back at Citizens Bank Park, said it best. When asked how he felt regarding the Phillies, he told Steve Keeley that he was, "Stoked, baby!" The unidentified phanatic then proclaimed, "We are talking about the Fightins here, the Fightins! Said!" Check out the media player below, as the transcribed version certainly does not do this phireball of phandom justice. The Phillies forced game 6 of the National League Championship Series with a 4-2 victory over the Giants in San Francisco on Thursday night. Game 6 will feature Roy Oswalt vs. Jonathan Sanchez in a return pitching match up from game 2. First pitch is scheduled for 7:57 pm EST at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Be sure to tune in on 97.3 ESPN's Weekend Sports Guide with Tyrone Johnson this afternoon around 1:15pm to hear me chatting about the Phillies! 97.3 is based in Atlantic City. You can listen live online HERE . ______________
Post a Comment
Read more