Black Sox Beat Writer
Chicago Sports Online
Another summer, another milestone.
Chicago first baseman Mark Simpson collected the 2,000th hit of his 13-year major league career in an August 3 victory over Nashville at Black Sox Park.
Mark Simpson
Simpson hit his 400th homer last September against Des Moines.
“The numbers are nice,” Simpson said after the game. “What they really reflect, though, is I’ve been lucky enough in my career to play for teams that gave me a chance – that put me in position to succeed and then let me do my thing.
“I’m forever grateful to Long Beach for believing in me and giving me my first professional chance, and to Chicago for believing in me now and giving me a chance to continue my career at a high level.”
And it’s a high level, indeed. There’s growing talk about whether Simpson, 33, might have a shot at making the BBA Hall of Fame after he retires.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Simpson said with a laugh. “First of all, I’m a long way from the kinds of numbers you need to be considered for the hall. Plus, I – at least – think I’m a long way from retirement, too.”
Manager Julian Negrete said he respects Simpson’s caution on the subject, but said there’s no doubt that his first baseman is building a case for the Hall of Fame someday.
“He builds it every time he steps out on the field,” Negrete said. “And that’s a good thing, because we sure as heck need him!”
Simpson’s batting average has been down this season, but he continues to get on base at a prodigious rate and is one of the key players in the Chicago lineup. So far this season he’s slashing .242/.420/.439 with 19 homers, 58 RBIs and 2.8 WAR.
