Who Was Ted Simmons Traded For? Unpacking A Landmark Baseball Deal
Baseball history holds many moments that make fans talk for years, and some player moves really stand out. One of those big moments involves a well-known catcher, Ted Simmons. People still wonder about the details of his departure from the St. Louis Cardinals, and what the team got back. It was a deal that changed things for a few teams, you know, and certainly for the players involved.
This trade, which happened a good while ago, still sparks conversation among those who follow the game closely. It shows how one decision can send ripples across the sport, affecting team lineups and future seasons. So, if you have ever thought about this particular player and what happened, you are in good company.
We are going to look closely at this famous trade, figuring out who went where and what it meant for everyone. It is a story about how teams try to make themselves better, and how sometimes, those attempts work out in unexpected ways. It is a piece of sports history, really, that continues to be a point of discussion for many fans even today.
Table of Contents
- Ted Simmons: A Look at the Man
- The Big Trade Unpacked
- The Cardinals' Haul: Fingers, Vuckovich, and Lezcano
- Ted Simmons with the Brewers and Beyond
- The Players Leaving St. Louis: Templeton and Swisher
- Lasting Impact and Legacy
- Frequently Asked Questions
Ted Simmons: A Look at the Man
Ted Simmons, a catcher with a powerful bat, was a big deal for the St. Louis Cardinals for many seasons. He came up through their system, and he quickly became a fan favorite. People liked watching him play, and he put up some really good numbers for a catcher, hitting for average and for power, too. He was a consistent presence behind the plate, and a strong hitter in the middle of the lineup, which is that, pretty rare for his position.
He was known for his hitting more than anything, collecting many hits and driving in many runs year after year. For a long stretch, he was one of the best catchers in baseball, offensively speaking. His time with the Cardinals saw him make multiple All-Star teams, showing just how valued he was in the game. He had a good eye at the plate, and he could hit to all fields, which made him a tough out for pitchers.
Simmons was not just a hitter; he was a leader, too, in a way, for the team. He was someone other players looked up to, and he played with a lot of heart. His presence in the clubhouse was important, and he was a big part of the Cardinals' identity during his years there. So, when the news of his trade came out, it definitely caught many people by surprise.
Personal Details and Bio Data of Ted Simmons
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ted Linden Simmons |
| Born | August 9, 1949 |
| Birthplace | Highland Park, Michigan, USA |
| Position | Catcher |
| Bats/Throws | Switch / Right |
| Major League Debut | September 18, 1968 |
| Teams Played For | St. Louis Cardinals (1968-1980), Milwaukee Brewers (1981-1985), Atlanta Braves (1986-1988) |
| All-Star Selections | 8 times |
| Hall of Fame Induction | 2020 |
The Big Trade Unpacked
The trade involving Ted Simmons was one of those rare, truly massive deals that shake up the baseball world. It happened on December 12, 1980. This was not just a simple one-for-one swap; it was a multi-player exchange that sent shockwaves through both the National and American Leagues. The St. Louis Cardinals, the team Simmons had played for his whole career up to that point, sent him away. They sent him to the Milwaukee Brewers.
But Simmons was not the only player going to Milwaukee. The Cardinals also sent a very talented shortstop, Garry Templeton, and a young pitcher, Rollie Fingers, to the Brewers. Wait, that is not right. Rollie Fingers was coming to St. Louis, not going to Milwaukee. Let me get this straight. The Cardinals traded Ted Simmons and pitcher Rollie Fingers, along with outfielder Sixto Lezcano, to the Brewers. No, that is also not quite right. This trade was a bit complex, actually, with many pieces moving.
Okay, let's set the record straight on this big transaction. The St. Louis Cardinals sent catcher Ted Simmons, shortstop Garry Templeton, and pitcher Steve Swisher to the Milwaukee Brewers. In return, the Brewers sent pitcher Rollie Fingers, pitcher Pete Vuckovich, and outfielder Sixto Lezcano to the Cardinals. It was a nine-player deal in total, if you count all the pieces that changed hands. This kind of trade, with so many important players involved, does not happen every day in baseball. It was a bold move for both clubs, showing they were ready to shake things up to try and win.
The Cardinals' Haul: Fingers, Vuckovich, and Lezcano
The Cardinals got three players in return for their stars. They received Rollie Fingers, a very famous relief pitcher known for his handlebar mustache and his ability to close out games. Fingers was already a Hall of Famer in the making, with a long track record of success. He was expected to anchor the Cardinals' bullpen, providing that late-game stability they needed. However, his time in St. Louis was very, very short.
Just a few days after being traded to the Cardinals, Rollie Fingers was traded again. The Cardinals sent him, along with catcher Terry Kennedy and others, to the San Diego Padres. This second move was part of a larger, even more intricate series of trades that involved many teams and many players. So, while Fingers was technically part of the Simmons trade, he never actually played a game for the Cardinals. This fact is often forgotten, or perhaps just overlooked, when people discuss the original deal. It shows how quickly things can change in professional sports, you know.
The other two players the Cardinals received were Pete Vuckovich and Sixto Lezcano. Pete Vuckovich was a starting pitcher, a big right-hander who had shown flashes of brilliance. He was known for his tough demeanor on the mound and his ability to get ground balls. The Cardinals hoped he would provide a strong arm in their rotation, giving them consistent innings. Lezcano was an outfielder, a good hitter with some power, and a solid glove in the field. He was expected to add some pop to the Cardinals' lineup and play good defense. These two players were the main pieces the Cardinals kept from the original trade, after Fingers was moved again.
Vuckovich did have some good moments with the Cardinals, but his stay was not very long either. He was a decent pitcher for them for a couple of seasons, showing some of the promise he had. Lezcano also played for the Cardinals for a short time, providing some offensive production. The overall impact of these players on the Cardinals was, in a way, limited, especially when compared to the long careers of the players they traded away. It is almost like, sometimes, these big trades do not work out exactly as planned for everyone involved, is that.
Ted Simmons with the Brewers and Beyond
When Ted Simmons joined the Milwaukee Brewers, he quickly became a central figure for their team. He continued to hit well, providing that veteran presence and offensive punch that the Brewers were looking for. His bat was a big part of their success in the early 1980s. He helped lead a powerful Brewers lineup that became known as "Harvey's Wallbangers," a nickname that reflected their ability to hit the ball out of the park. It was a really exciting time for Brewers fans, with a team that could score runs in bunches.
The peak of Simmons' time with the Brewers came in 1982. That year, the Brewers made it all the way to the World Series, a first for the franchise. Simmons was a key contributor during that magical season, both at the plate and behind it. While they ultimately lost the World Series to his former team, the St. Louis Cardinals, it was a memorable run for Milwaukee. Simmons played a big part in getting them there, showing that he still had plenty left in the tank. He was a leader on that team, and his experience helped the younger players, you know.
After his time with the Brewers, Simmons played a few more seasons in the major leagues, finishing his career with the Atlanta Braves. He continued to be a solid hitter, even as he got older, showing his dedication to the game. His career numbers are quite impressive, especially for a catcher, and they eventually earned him a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame. His journey through baseball, from his start with the Cardinals to his time with the Brewers and Braves, is a testament to his skill and staying power in a tough position. He was, to be honest, a very consistent player for a long time.
The Players Leaving St. Louis: Templeton and Swisher
Besides Ted Simmons, the Cardinals also sent two other players to Milwaukee in that big trade. One was Garry Templeton, a very talented and flashy shortstop. Templeton was known for his incredible defensive plays and his ability to hit for average. He was a switch-hitter, which meant he could bat from both sides of the plate, making him a tough out for any pitcher. He had a lot of potential, and he had already shown flashes of brilliance with the Cardinals. His departure was a big deal for St. Louis, as he was a popular player and a key part of their infield. He had a lot of flair, and fans really liked watching him play, you know.
Templeton's time with the Brewers was short, however. Like Rollie Fingers, he was also part of another trade shortly after arriving in Milwaukee. The Brewers traded Templeton to the San Diego Padres, in exchange for another famous shortstop, Ozzie Smith. This secondary trade, which happened just days after the Simmons deal, turned out to be one of the most significant trades in baseball history for the Cardinals. Ozzie Smith became a Hall of Famer for St. Louis, known for his amazing defense. So, while Templeton was a piece in the Simmons trade, his ultimate impact on the Brewers was limited, as he quickly moved on to San Diego.
The other player the Cardinals sent to Milwaukee was Steve Swisher. Swisher was a catcher, like Simmons, but he was a younger player who had not had much major league experience at that point. He was seen as a prospect, someone who might develop into a good player down the road. For the Brewers, getting Swisher meant they had another catcher option, perhaps someone who could back up Simmons or take over the position in the future. His career was not as long or as impactful as Simmons' or Templeton's, but he was still a piece in a very big trade. It is often the case that these multi-player deals include a mix of established stars and younger players who might have potential.
Lasting Impact and Legacy
The trade involving Ted Simmons, Garry Templeton, Rollie Fingers, and many others left a lasting mark on all the teams involved. For the St. Louis Cardinals, the immediate impact of the trade was, in a way, mixed. They did not keep Rollie Fingers for long, and while Vuckovich and Lezcano contributed, they were not the long-term stars the team had given up. However, the subsequent trade of Garry Templeton for Ozzie Smith was a monumental move that truly shaped the Cardinals' future. Smith became a beloved icon in St. Louis, leading them to multiple World Series appearances and a championship in 1982. So, in a roundabout way, the Simmons trade led to the acquisition of a franchise legend for the Cardinals, which is that, a pretty big deal.
For the Milwaukee Brewers, acquiring Ted Simmons was a clear win in the short term. He was a cornerstone of their "Harvey's Wallbangers" team that made it to the World Series in 1982. Simmons provided the consistent offense and veteran leadership they needed to reach that level of success. While they traded away Templeton, they did get Ozzie Smith in return, whom they then flipped for Robin Yount's brother, Jim Gantner, and others. The Brewers' strategy was about building a winning team right then, and Simmons helped them do that. It shows how teams sometimes prioritize immediate success with their trades, even if it means moving a lot of pieces around.
This trade is still talked about today because of its complexity and the ripple effects it had. It is a good example of how a single transaction can set off a chain reaction of moves, ultimately changing the course of multiple franchises. It also highlights the different ways teams approach building their rosters, some looking for immediate help, others for long-term development. The story of who Ted Simmons was traded for is not just about the players involved; it is about the strategic decisions made by general managers and the hopes of fan bases. It is a piece of baseball lore that, you know, still fascinates people decades later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people ask about the Ted Simmons trade:
What was the full trade that sent Ted Simmons to the Brewers?
The trade involved nine players in total. The St. Louis Cardinals sent catcher Ted Simmons, shortstop Garry Templeton, and pitcher Steve Swisher to the Milwaukee Brewers. In return, the Brewers sent pitcher Rollie Fingers, pitcher Pete Vuckovich, and outfielder Sixto Lezcano to the Cardinals. It was a really big exchange, so, with many moving parts.
Did Rollie Fingers ever play for the St. Louis Cardinals?
No, Rollie Fingers never actually played a game for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was traded to the Cardinals as part of the deal that sent Ted Simmons to the Brewers. However, just a few days later, the Cardinals traded Fingers again, this time to the San Diego Padres. So, his time as a Cardinal was very, very brief, existing only on paper.
How did the Ted Simmons trade indirectly lead to Ozzie Smith joining the Cardinals?
The Ted Simmons trade sent Garry Templeton from the Cardinals to the Brewers. Shortly after that, the Brewers traded Templeton to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Ozzie Smith. Then, the Cardinals traded for Ozzie Smith from the Padres, in a separate deal that was made possible by the initial moves. So, it was a chain reaction of trades that eventually brought Ozzie Smith to St. Louis, which is that, a pretty famous sequence of events in baseball history.
To learn more about Ted Simmons' career, you can visit his page on Baseball-Reference.com.
Learn more about baseball history on our site, and link to this page about famous baseball trades.
1981 Topps & Topps Traded Ted Simmons Traded | PSA CardFacts®
1986 Topps Traded #102T Ted Simmons | Trading Card Database
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