Education
Simpson attended the University of Notre Dame but after only one semester he joined the United States Army in 1945 during the waning days of World World War World War II
Simpson attended the University of Notre Dame but after only one semester he joined the United States Army in 1945 during the waning days of World World War World War II
A right-handed pitcher, Simpson had a seven-year (1948–1954) career, which included a full, 1953 season in Major League Baseball for the Chicago Cubs. He stood 6 feet 1 inch (185 m) tall and weighed 190 pounds (86 kg). After completing his military service, he enrolled in The Ohio State University before joining the professional baseball ranks.
He pitched in the Philadelphia Athletics" system and was acquired by the Cubs in 1952.
In his only start, he failed to record an out on September 2 against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Forbes Field, yielding five runs, all earned, and four hits, including a three-run home run by Preston Ward. Simpson took the loss in that 8–1 Cub defeat.
He entered the game in the ninth inning with the Cubs trailing, 7–5, and worked a perfect 1-2-3 frame. Altogether, Duke Simpson allowed 60 hits and 25 bases on balls in 45 MLB innings pitched, striking out 21.
In 1953, he made the Cub"s MLB roster coming out of spring training and remained a member of their pitching staff all season, working in 30 games, 29 in relief.