A clean-cut All-American out of the University of Oklahoma, Simpson was called
up
to the Dodgers every September from 1975 through 1978, then spent four years as a
generally unproductive Seattle outfielder. On August 17, 1979, he became the first
Mariner to have five hits in a game. He was hired as a Mariners broadcaster in 1987.
(JCA)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»September 4, 1981: In the conclusion of the longest game in Fenway Park history, the Mariners beat the Red Sox 8–7 in 20 innings on Joe Simpson's run-scoring triple. The game began on September 3rd, but was suspended after 19 innings.
»June 27, 2000:
The Atlanta Braves back off from their decision to bar from their chartered flights four team announcers who had raised questions about the catcher's box at Turner Field. After TBS discussed the width of the catcher's box in a game against the Brewers three days ago, Skip Caray, Pete Van Wieren, Joe Simpson and Don Sutton were kicked off a flight to Montreal and had to take a commercial flight. TBS aired a video showing the catcher's box was four to five inches smaller than it was the previous night, when Milwaukee management complained about where Braves catcher Javy Lopez was setting up. Opposing teams have long said that Atlanta pitchers are given the benefit of an extra-wide strike zone, particularly on the outside corners. Catchers who set up wide of the plate can increase the chances of an outside pitch being called a strike. The video was shown after a rare balk call against Fernando Lunar, the Braves catcher. Home-plate umpire John Shulock ruled that Lunar set up with his right foot outside the 43-inch-wide box. The balk led to Milwaukee's first run and a heated argument between Shulock and Braves manager Bobby Cox, who was ejected. Atlanta lost the game 2-1.
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