Ray Simms

• BIRTHPLACE Birtle, MB

• BORN May 26, 1934

• INDUCTED 2000

Ray Simms was born in Birtle, Manitoba on May 26, 1934. Simms started his senior baseball career with coach John Mansell at Foxwarren in 1952. He went on to play in Darlingford in 1953, and then in Neepawa from 1954-56, where he was an all-star pitcher. Simms later played in the Parochial League with St. Mary’s from 1957-61, and with St. Lazare Athletics from 1963-68 (MSBL champions in 1963). Following his playing days, Simms stayed involved in baseball. He redesigned the Birtle ball diamond, and he also helped lay the foundation for the Birtle Blue Jays. He initiated the popular Manitoba Senior Baseball League (MSBL) Birtle July 1st tournament, and he served as an executive for the first two Manitoba High School Provincial Tournaments. Simms was a longtime MSBL director, schedule maker, and president (1979-80). He received MSBL Life Membership in 1985, and the Ab Richardson Award for dedication, sportsmanship, and longtime service to baseball.