Simmons was a five-foot-ten, left-handed pitcher/outfielder, and began playing for the Germantown Blue Ribbons, a semi-pro team, in 1911.

In May 2006, Dr. Layton Revel — founder of Texas-based Center for Negro League Baseball Research — met and interviewed Simmons.

[2][3] Revel also organized a 111th birthday celebration for Simmons, in 2006, which included approximately 30 former Negro leagues players from around Florida.

A plaque was presented to Simmons on his birthday on behalf of the Society for American Baseball Research.

[4] Simmons died 15 days later at the Westminster Suncoast Nursing Home in St. Petersburg, having outlived all five of his children.