Chandler Simpson: Tampa Bay Rays Outfielder on Speed, Baseball, and Growing Up

Early Baseball Memories

• ⚾ Growing up, Chandler Simpson spent a lot of time in the backyard with his dad, taking ground balls and swings at an early age to learn the fundamentals of baseball.
• 👨‍🏫 Despite his parents' roles as school administrators, baseball was always his passion, though they supported his academic pursuits.

Speed and Athleticism

• 💨 Simpson was known as the fastest kid growing up, consistently winning races during recess and at the park.
• 🏃‍♂️ He was so fast that in games like freeze tag, he was never caught or tagged, always winning, especially in open spaces.
• 💯 Last season in the minor leagues, he stole an impressive 104 bases, showcasing his exceptional speed.

Transition to the Big Leagues

• 📞 Simpson received a call from his AAA manager informing him he was being promoted to the big leagues with the Tampa Bay Rays, requiring him to pack and catch a plane within 45 minutes.
• 🌟 His first big league game was a significant moment, marked by his parents' and sister's presence and his first major league hit.
• 🤩 He has been amazed by his own accomplishments, including scoring from second base on an infield single and from second on a routine sacrifice fly in college, feeling that he has impressed himself with what he can do.

Fan Interactions and Observations

• 🏟️ The fans and the environment in the big leagues have been an eye-opening experience for Simpson.
• 🗣️ In New York City, a fan heckled him, calling him the "slowest man in baseball," which he found amusing and used as motivation to prove them wrong.