Harry Simpson

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Harry Simpson
Outfielder / First Baseman
Born: December 3, 1925
Atlanta, Georgia
Died: April 3, 1979 (aged 53)
Akron, Ohio
Batted: Left Threw: Right
MLB debut
April 21, 1951
for the Cleveland Indians
Final game
September 27, 1959
for the Pittsburgh Pirates
Career statistics
Batting average     .266
Hits     752
RBIs     381
Teams
Career highlights and awards
  • All star in 1956
  • Led AL in triples in 1956 with 11 and 1957 with 9

Harry Leon "Suitcase" Simpson (December 3, 1925 - April 3, 1979) was an African American outfielder and first baseman in Major League Baseball who played for a number of teams. He played in the World Series with the New York Yankees in 1957, where they lost.

He was born in Atlanta, Georgia and died in Akron, Ohio. He was one of the earliest black player in the American League, playing first with the Cleveland Indians in 1951. Casey Stengel once called him the best defensive right fielder in the American League.[citation needed]

His nickname of "Suitcase" came from his being frequently traded during his playing career is a common misconception. According to the 1951 Cleveland Indians Sketch Book, he was called "Suitcase" by sportswriters after the Toonerville Trolley character, Suitcase Simpson. This is years before his many trades. His real nickname was "Goody" which came from his willingness to run errands and help neighbors in his hometown of Dalton, Georgia.[citation needed]

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