Mike Simms, an American professional baseball player, spent his career primarily as an outfielder and designated hitter in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on January 12, 1967, in Orange, California, Simms was drafted by the Houston Astros in the sixth round of the 1985 MLB Draft. His journey through the minor leagues was marked by steady progress, and he eventually made his MLB debut with the Astros on September 3, 1990.
Simms' time with the Astros was characterized by intermittent appearances over several seasons. He played parts of five seasons with Houston, from 1990 to 1994, but struggled to secure a permanent spot in the starting lineup. During his tenure with the Astros, Simms was often utilized as a backup outfielder and pinch hitter. Despite limited playing time, he demonstrated power-hitting potential, which was evident in his minor league performances.
In 1995, Simms signed with the Texas Rangers, where he found more opportunities to showcase his abilities. Over the next few years, he became a valuable asset for the Rangers, particularly in a platoon role. Simms' right-handed power bat was an asset against left-handed pitching, and he often served as a designated hitter or corner outfielder. His best season came in 1998 when he played in 92 games, hitting .296 with 16 home runs and 46 RBIs. This performance helped the Rangers secure a playoff berth, marking one of the highlights of his career.
Simms continued to play for the Rangers until 1999, after which his MLB career came to an end. Throughout his time in the majors, he was known for his ability to hit for power, although he never became a regular starter. In total, Simms played in 368 MLB games, recording a batting average of .246, with 39 home runs and 154 RBIs.
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