Ted Lyle Simmons (born August 9, 1949), nicknamed "Simba", is an American former professional baseball player and coach.

[1] A switch-hitter, Simmons was a catcher for most of his Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the St. Louis Cardinals (1968–1980), the Milwaukee Brewers (1981–1985) and the Atlanta Braves (1986–1988).

[2] While his power numbers paled in comparison to Bench, Simmons still managed to hit for a higher batting average despite playing home games in a notoriously tough hitter's park.

[3] At the time of his retirement, Simmons led all catchers in career hits and doubles and ranked second in RBIs behind Yogi Berra and second in total bases behind Carlton Fisk.

[1] Simmons spent another year in Triple-A with the Tulsa Oilers before returning to the major leagues in 1970 where he platooned with Joe Torre.

[9] In 1971, the Cardinals converted Torre into a third baseman and Simmons took over as their starting catcher, posting a .304 batting average with seven home runs and 77 RBIs.

[1][13] His defense began to improve as well, posting a .991 fielding percentage and leading National League catchers in assists and in putouts.

[26] During the 1980 season, Cardinals manager Whitey Herzog wanted Simmons moved to first base and Keith Hernandez to left field for the first six innings, with the latter often reverting to his original position at the end of games.

[27] Simmons' refusal and the ensuing feud with Herzog led to him being traded along with Rollie Fingers and Pete Vuckovich to the Milwaukee Brewers for Sixto Lezcano, Lary Sorensen, Dave LaPoint and David Green at the 1980 Winter Meetings on December 12.

[31] Simmons had one more good year in 1983 when he hit for a .308 batting average with 13 home runs and 108 RBIs and earned his eighth and final All-Star berth.

He also was director of player development for both the Cardinals and San Diego Padres, and a scout at the Major League level for the Cleveland Indians.

[43] In November 2008 Simmons was named bench coach for the Padres under manager Bud Black, replacing Craig Colbert.