Sox Scoops 41.147: Simpson Hits 400th, Celebration Rankles Des Moines Pitcher

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By Mike Talley
Black Sox Beat Writer
Chicago Sports Online

Mark Simpson put himself in the history books by blasting his 400th career home run in the Sept. 26 game against the Des Moines Kernels.

Simpson hits 400th

The big hit came in the 5th inning against Des Moines starter José Rivera, who’d run the count to full before trying to sneak a fastball by the 32-year-old Chicago first baseman. Simpson turned on the pitch and launched a towering shot 364 feet into the left field stands.

Third baseman Luis González, who’d led off the inning with a single and then moved to second on a groundout, backpedaled part of the way down the third base line in front of Simpson, pointing at his teammate and shouting congratulations.

The Sox dugout emptied as Simpson crossed home plate, pounding him on the back and congratulating him on the accomplishment.

Rivera, meanwhile, stood on the mound with his back to the plate, studiously ignoring the pandemonium. Afterwards, he told reporters he’d been upset with González running backwards and gesturing at Simpson and towards the crowd.

"That was a bush league move," Rivera said. "You don't show guys up like that."

Told of Rivera’s comments, González rolled his eyes.

“Oh, grow up,” he said. “This is a big moment – you’re telling me he’s mad we celebrated? Cry me a river.”

Simpson simply shrugged at the controversy, saying he was a little awed at joining the ranks of BBA sluggers who’d accomplished the feat in front of him.

"I am happy to be in such elite company. It has been quite a ride so far," Simpson said.

The historic homer and surrounding hoopla put to rest, for awhile anyway, questions surrounding his involvement in the dumping of barrels of pig manure in the Little Calumet River near Black Sox Park last summer.

Rivera annoyed

Although Simpson has not been implicated in the dumping, he was on the scene and a witness to the incident. If, as expected, the case goes to a federal grand jury in coming weeks, it’s likely he’ll be called to testify.

For now, though, the messy case has taken a back seat to baseball, Simpson’s historic accomplishment, and the marvelous year he’s been having on the field.

Simpson currently is slashing .294/.449/.551 with 35 home runs and 99 RBIs and 6.4 WAR.

“It’s one of his best seasons ever – and he’s had some great ones,” said Manager Lucas Cadigon, clearly savoring the big moment and his team's 6-1 win over division rival Des Moines. “He’s a consummate professional and a joy to have on this team. We’re excited to watch as he starts his quest for 500.”

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That Kernel was ready to pop.