Wayne Simpson

Who is Wayne Simpson?

Wayne Kirby Simpson, is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1970-1977. He played for the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Philadelphia Phillies, and California Angels. Hank Aaron got his 3,000th career hit off Simpson.

In his first season, Simpson started the year by winning 13 of his first 14 decisions, including a one-hitter, a two-hitter, and a three-hitter, and was selected for the 1970 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Simpson finished the 1970 season with a 14-3 record and a 3.02 Earned Run Average. He had 14 wins by July 26, but arm miseries, due to ligament damage, limited him to a pair of appearances after that. The Cincinnati Reds made it to the World Series in 1970, but Simpson didn't pitch in the postseason. Simpson pitched another seven seasons, but was never as effective as he was as a rookie.

Simpson has the highest Game Score in Reds history for a pitching debut, April 9, 1970.