Year Inducted – 1984

Beginning as a versatile outfielder/shortstop for the Hower Department Store, Bob made his presence known around town. After a stint in the service, Bob played with Lakemore Nite Club and Canton Road Furniture before organizing, managing and playing for Krumroy Market and Redl Golf Shop and then “getting in the dough” for good when he started the Krispy Kreme Doughnut Shop baseball era. Using talented high school stars, blended with capable veterans, Simmons’ Krispy Kreme teams soon challenged and then overtook the powerful veteran teams of the mid-fifties, leading to three championship seasons and tournament appearances each year. His work on the diamond and the relationships he made enabled Bob to buy the Krispy Kreme Company, which he still continues to operate successfully today.