Lon Simmons’ legacy echoes from the booth this Opening Day

Sports columnist Jim Murray was eulogized by broadcaster Jack Whitaker as “one hell of a writer, but even a better person”; similar snippets were said of Lon Simmons, who passed away on the eve of 2015’s Opening Day at his home in Daly City.

By Andrew Pridgen

Simmons, the 91-year-old voice of the Bay Area by way of Elko, Nev., was not just the nicest guy in baseball but maybe the whole of the Western Hemisphere—if morning-after soundbites are to be believed:

• “Just a nice man. He was always there for me in all kinds of situations. I’m really going to miss him.” — Willie Mays

• “I can’t imagine a life more fulfilled than his.” — Duane Kuiper

• “We got closer and closer over the years.” — Willie McCovey

• “There wasn’t a pretentious bone in his body. He was a humble man. He was a gentleman.” — Mike Krukow

• “He was…