Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 19, 1990 TAG: 9007200288
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB McLELLAND CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Simmons, who died July 9 after a long battle with diabetes and other complications, was one of the last big-time fast-ball pitchers in softball. He was 65, but during his colorful 25-year career, he chalked up more than 500 victories.
In 1987, Simmons became the first softball player to be elected to Simmons the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame's Wall of Fame.
Simmons, who stood 6 foot 3 and weighed some 220 pounds in his prime, had batters shaking in their cleats as he would lope to the mound and dish up his wide assortment of drops and risers. Some said he had a "rubber arm" because of the many games he pitched.
Control was one of Simmons' biggest weapons, as he seldom walked a batter. But he claimed opponents, knowing of his control, would "dig in" on him at the plate.
Simmons also showed little emotion while pitching. He would take what seemed like all day to stroll to the mound. But once there, he was all business and never changed the expression on his face.
"He was one of the best ever," said G.C. Flint, who managed Simmons for many years with the old Roanoke Scrappers. "He never had a bad day and always gave you his best. I never saw anyone around like him. I just wished we had played more games so he could have won more."
"There will never be another one like him," said Flint. "And all those who were fortunate to see him pitch will never forget the thrills he gave them."
Simmons also was a kind and gentle man. People who knew him best claim they never heard him say anything bad about anyone - teammate or opponent.
" 'Biscuit never realized just how great he was," said Herb Weaver, the big slugger who played first base for the Scrappers. "He was simply great to play with and made you always do your best to back him up. He was not temperamental like so many pitchers. He had no ego. He was just your ideal athlete. Everyone loved to play with him and just to be around him."
Simmons, though known for his pitching, was quite a batter. He took pride in his ability to connect the long ball - though it took him all day to amble down to first base.
Leon Mitchell, a friend for 55 years and shortstop for the Scrappers, called Simmons "an unselfish player."
"He never looked for any personal glory and was always doing things for the good of the team. He was a real money player. When the chips were down in a big game, you sure wanted 'Biscuit around," Mitchell said.
The big fellow pitched his final official game in 1966. But those who knew him best claim he could have been a big winner for at least five or six more years.
"But I didn't want to be like Joe Louis," Simmons said at the time. "You know [Louis] was the best ever in his sport but there are many who knew him only as one who stayed around too long. I sure didn't want them to say that about me. I wanted my fans to remember me as I was in my prime."
by CNB