Mark Simpson's Last Chance?

[7teen]

A career that spans 22 seasons. A future date with the Hall of Fame. Eight all-star appearances. A Diamond Glove and a Puckett Award. But 42 year old Mark Simpson still searches for one thing he says will make his career complete: A Brewster Title! Or perhaps, just an appearance!

At 41 years of age, Simpson shocked many last off-season when he opted out of his contract with the Louisville Sluggers. The Sluggers, a perennial contender in the Frick League's Heartland Division, seemed the perfect for the aging star to get his ring. He put up good numbers, posted a WAR of 1.4, and seemed the perfect fit as a veteran presence while getting enough playing time to feel like a contributor. "I just never felt right in Louisville" Simpson was quoted as saying. "I've spent most of my career out west. I wanted to go West where I felt more comfortable, where I felt more at home. All the while still seeking a title" said the North Carolina native.

Simpson has spent a majority of his big league career in Long Beach. Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2018 draft, Simpson made his debut just 2 years later at the age of 21. He'd spend the next 10 consecutive seasons with the Surfers, posting eye popping numbers centered around the homerun and his keen ability to draw a walk. In his rookie season of 2030, he helped lead the Surfers to the post-season and was 2 wins away from leading the Surfers to the Landis Series. The Surfers lost to, of all teams, Louisville in 6 games as the Sluggers went on to win the title that season. Simpson claimed the runner up honors that season in the Gillstrom voting, losing to Madison Wolves catcher Luis Barrera. But the solid Surfers team behind Simpson's star power had people in the league not asking "if" Simpson would win a title, but "when". But that's the things about professional sports. There's never a guarantee.

While years of 8.4 and 8.1 WAR seasons were to follow for Simpson, the latter of which claimed him a runner up spot on the Silk Award voting, the title didn't come in Long Beach. The Simpson led Surfers would appear in 7 post-seasons with Simpson leading the charge, only to fall short each time. In 2036, Simpson and the Surfers made another run at it. Despite finishing 3rd in the division, the wild card squad charged their way all the way to the Cartright Series, this time forcing a game 7 against division foe San Fernando. Simpson and the Surfers lost that game 7, denying both a chance at a title. Simpson and the Surfers gave it one more go in 2038, but departed quickly. Much like that post-season exit, Simpson's time in Long Beach would also be short.

Following the 2039 season, the Surfers and Simpson failed to come to an agreement on an extension and for the first time in his career, he was a free agent. Simpson signed on with an up and coming Chicago Black Sox team that was soon to make a name for itself in the league. Chicago visited the post-season 7 straight times from 2042 to 2048. However Simpson was only a part of the 2042 squad that did not make it far. Two injury plagued seasons with the Black Sox led to some tension between Simpson and the organization which led to Simpson opting out of his deal in 2043 and signing on with Boise. 2043 was a disaster for both Simpson and the Spuds and Mark's WAR dipped to a career low 0.3 and playing for a losing team did not help issues. Age rapidly catching up to him, the now 35 year old Simpson knew time was running low.

Simpson signed on with Omaha to begin the 2045 season. Omaha was ready to make that jump into the Landis mix after making the post-season the year before. He signed a modest $5 million deal with the club who hoped his ability to still get on-base could help lead them to the next level. However, for reasons unknown via an article search, Omaha dealt Simpson home to Long Beach mid-season. While it's assumed Omaha needed to cut the salary, Surfers fans were excited to have one of their own back home. And oddly enough, both teams were good! Omaha finished the season with 98 wins but a runner-up finish to Yellow Springs in the division. Long Beach's 90 wins was enough to win the Pacific. Either way, Simpson was back in the post-season for the first time in 3 seasons. It would be pure irony had these two teams met with Omaha ending Simpson's run, but no. Omaha was swept in the opening round with Long Beach falling in 7 the following round. Again, no ring for Simpson.

Simpson stayed on with the Surfers and saw a bounce back in his stats. 37 years old and a 2.9 WAR in platoon duty got the attention of other teams in the league. So much so, he signed on with Mexico City the following season. Unfortunately the 2047-2048 Aztecs were going no where, despite a combined 7.1 WAR from Simpson over those years. So yet again, Simpson departed and returned home to Long Beach. The 2049 Surfers were worse than the Aztecs. Simpson produced again but now over 40 had to start reflecting on what he really wanted out of baseball. The portfolio was already hall of fame worthy. But the ring still wasn't there. So he went to Louisville. Was a part of a 98 win team. But again, a team that would get bounced in round 1. And again, he inexplicably, left!

Simpson sat around all winter wondering what was next. Should he retire? Was the dream of a Landis dead? Should he sign on with a team and give his career a good swan song? Maybe the Surfers would call him up and let him fade off into the sun set, collecting rocking chairs at each stop this season. "My wife convinced me to give it another go" recalled Simpson during the winter. "So I'm going to."

But that's the thing again about pro sports. The phone calls don't always come. Not to mention, who needs or wants a 42 year old 1B these days? The calls didn't come. Spring training came and went. Opening day, likewise. Two months gone, Simpson was still at home. Then fate struck.

"Mark? It's Chris Wilson, GM here in Portland. We'd like for you to head up here and join us for the rest of the season. We're strapped for cap space. $2 million is all we can offer? What do you think?"

"It was never a question" Simpson recalls, "no way I was turning down the only offer I had out there. One to join a contending team, out west, and give it one more shot at a Landis. No-brainer!"

Simpson joined Portland in June and in a platoon roll, has done exactly what the Lumberjacks needed. Sure, he's hitting below .200, but he's getting on base against lefties. With 14 hits and 20 walks, he has an on-base percentage of .420 and a positive WAR. And with the Lumberjacks sitting atop the Pacific Division standings, it appears Simpson will have one more shot at that ring. "I'm having fun playing the game" said Simpson after the team's 8-5 win over Twin Cities a few weeks ago that saw him post a "Simpson-esque" line of 0-2 with 3 walks. "This team has a shot to go all the way. There's a good chance this is my last chance. While obviously I want to win one, I think in the end, I'm going to look back on my career and be grateful for the opportunities I've had. I'm still playing a game, at my age, that most don't get the chance to do. I won't be upset if we don't win this year. But damn, I sure hope we do!"

[aaronweiner]

He was also traded for another Hall of Famer, Arthur Dempster.

[tylertoo]

Nine more HR to get to 600.

[Jwalk100]

On base machine!

[Dington]

I've wanted him several times over the past few years, but his demands have been pretty ridiculous. Impressive what he's doing at his age though.

[aaronweiner]

I've wanted him several times over the past few years, but his demands have been pretty ridiculous. Impressive what he's doing at his age though.

He is, as they put it in Moneyball, the Greek God of Walks.

Which reminds me: I still think Mark Wareham should be in the Hall of Fame.

[Lane]

Excellent, Chris. Probably my favorite player. Really thought I was gonna get him a ring with those early '30s teams. We just couldn't make it through.

[chicoruiz]

I tend to automatically disregard available players once they reach a certain age. Careers like this guy’s show me that I maybe shouldn’t do that…

[DaveB]

That’s an amazing article.

[Lane]

That’s an amazing article.

Chris is one of the best writers around here.

[7teen]

Well…. He can at least say he made it to one.

[lordtoffee]

Very well done profile.

[shoeless.db]

That 2029 minor league season... good governor.