My name is Cleary Simpson, I am a utility player from central Alberta, Canada. I have been fortunate to play six years of competitive collegiate baseball, with 3 years of Division I experience, 1 year of top-10 Division II experience, and 2 years of NJCAA Division I experience. Throughout my six years, I have been an everyday player, contributor, and leader on all the teams I have been a part of. I have been fortunate to be part of winning teams and cultures, starting at Juco, where we won our sub-regional freshman year and finished 1st in the regular season in the West my second year. At Northern Kentucky, I was part of the team that set the program’s win record my first year and then broke it my senior year, when we won the conference championship and competed in the program’s first-ever NCAA regional. Our team went to the Knoxville regional, where we went toe-to-toe with the eventual National Champions, Tennessee, and I hit a leadoff home run to start the game in a pretty hostile environment. I was then gifted a year at the division 2 level because of the COVID waiver and transferred to Florida Southern College, where we were ranked 4th in division 2 and won 2/3 against eventual National Champions Tampa. Unfortunately, I had a season-ending injury, so I could not finish the year. I was then granted another year at Division 1, and I transferred to Marshall University, where my sister was playing softball at the time. I got to compete in the Sun Belt Conference, where 5 teams received bids to the NCAA tournament, and faced some of the best competition in Division 1. I have primarily played 3rd base, 2nd base, and shortstop in college, but I have also played 1st base, left field, and right field at the Division I level. I received 3rd-team and 2nd-team honors at 2nd base my freshman and sophomore years at Colby CC, as well as 1st-team honors at 3rd base my senior year at Northern Kentucky. I have always been a reliable, calm-under-pressure type of player. Tough at bat at all times and have led my teams in quality at-bats every year. I have a good eye at the plate and will find ways to get on base whether by hit, walk, or bunt. I am more of a gap-to-gap hitter, but can jump the yard at times. I am a base-stealing threat when need be and pride myself on picking up tendencies and being a student of the game. I am very interested in the mental aspect of the game, having read books and done research on it throughout my career. I host Zoom calls for high school-age players, covering strategies for the mental game of baseball, as well as coaching camps and one-on-one training in hitting and defense.

I have played SS, 2B, 3B, 1st Base, RF, and LF all at the division 1 level. I am a big believer in being able to play multiple positions because that is one of the ways I got myself into the lineup on a consistent basis. Primarily, I have played mostly 3B, SS, and 2B, but I likely have around 20 Division I games under my belt in the outfield as well. I will be honest, I have not pitched since high school, but I would be open to trying if need be.

I believe my greatest focus throughout my whole college career has been to be the best teammate I can be. The baseball memories have been awesome, but, more importantly, the game has blessed me with deep relationships with my teammates and coaches that will last forever. I had some great leaders when I began my college journey, so I have always made a point of helping incoming young guys feel as welcome as possible and of focusing on creating a great culture. I would do anything to help my teammates and really just enjoy spending time with them. I have been fortunate to be part of several winning teams/programs, and I believe the culture built has a significant impact on whether a team will be successful. As I got older, I took on greater responsibility for creating a good team culture and bringing guys together. One of my favourite parts about baseball is the locker room, and I look forward to meeting more people and hopefully having a positive impact on them as well.

Career highlights

At Colby Community College (NJCAA div 1)
2021 – 44 GP – 0.338 avg – 0.929 OPS – 47 hits – 8 2B – 3 HR – 24 RBI
3rd team all-conference at 2B

2022 – 52 GP – .390 avg – 1.157 OPS – 19 2B – 7 HR – 39 RBI
2nd team all conference at 2B

Northern Kentucky University (NCAA Div 1)
2023 – 43 GP – 0.324 avg – 0.861 OPS – 47 hits – 10 2B – 1 3B – 25 RBI – 15 SB

2024 – 58 GP – 0.337 avg – 1.010 OPS – 71 hits – 12 2B – 4 3B – 6 HR – 49 RBI – 16 SB
1st Team All-Horizon League at 3rd Base
Horizon League Champions
Knoxville Regional Appearance
Leadoff home-run against Tennessee in NKU first ever trip to NCAA regionals.
A team captain

Florida Southern College (NCAA d2) COVID waiver
2025 – 29 GP – .307 avg – 31 hits – 6 2B – 1 HR – 19 RBI – 9 SB
Season cut short due to injury
Ranked 4th in division 2, hosted regional
Won 2/3 against eventual national champions Tampa.
A team captain

Marshall University (NCAA div 1) Covid Waiver
2026 – 41 GP – .219 avg – 28 hits – 5 2B – 1 HR – 19 RBI – 7 SB – 0.393 OBP
Competed in 5 bid Sunbelt Conference

Summer Ball (Sylvan Lake Gulls)
2022 Gulls Culture of Excellence Award

2026 Senior Men’s Nationals
Team Alberta Bronze Medalist

Coaching

I believe I have a good ability to relate to the players I coach and to communicate complex movements or ideas in a simpler way. I can also show the players what I mean instead of just telling them. I can throw good BP and hit fungoes well. I get fulfillment from watching other players grow, so I believe I also bring positive energy and enthusiasm to my coaching. Having played multiple positions and played at multiple levels through college, I can also reach a diverse group of players.

Overseas Goals

I still feel like I have more in the tank as far as my baseball career. I had a lot of success through college, but my last year was a bit of a down year. I still feel like I am improving and my body feels great. I want to see how far I can take this game. I want to find out just how good I can be l, but also just enjoy playing the game of baseball. On top of just continuing to play baseball, I really want to experience new, exciting places. Get to travel the world and have these unique experiences that otherwise would not be possible.

Current Fitness Level

I just recently finished up playing my last year of summer ball in late August so I am pretty fresh. I will also be training at a baseball facility and coaching throughout the winter.

Articles/Recognitions

Red Deer Riggers win bronze at senior AAA baseball nationals

NKU baseball’s first NCAA appearance ended by an offensive shootout with Tennessee and a shutout by Southern Mississippi

Podcast Interview