Photo credit: www.foxnews.com

Remembering Tommy Helms: A Two-Time MLB All-Star Passes Away

Tommy Helms, a celebrated figure in Major League Baseball and the 1966 National League Rookie of the Year, has passed away at the age of 83, as confirmed by the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday.

Helms made his MLB debut with the Reds in 1964 but truly established himself as a regular player in 1966. Over his eight-year tenure with Cincinnati, he also played for the Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Boston Red Sox before retiring from professional baseball after the 1977 season.

Team Tribute

The Cincinnati Reds expressed their condolences through a statement: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Reds Hall of Fame second baseman Tommy Helms. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”

Helms’ most notable achievements occurred during his time with the Reds, where he earned All-Star honors on two occasions. His standout performance in 1967 featured a .275 batting average with 136 hits in 497 at-bats, along with 35 runs batted in and a career-high four triples. The following year, he further solidified his reputation with a .288 batting average, 47 RBI, and 28 doubles, earning accolades as a Most Valuable Player contender.

A Legacy of Excellence

Helms’ defensive prowess did not go unnoticed; he was awarded Gold Glove honors as a second baseman in 1970 and 1971. Across his 14-season career, he achieved a .269 batting average with 34 home runs, 477 RBI, and 223 doubles. After his playing days, he took on the role of manager for the Reds during the 1988 and 1989 seasons, achieving a record of 28 wins and 26 losses over those partial seasons.

In recognition of his contributions to the team, Helms was inducted into the Reds’ Hall of Fame in 1979. Notably, he was part of the trade that brought Hall of Famer Joe Morgan to Cincinnati, a decision that became pivotal to the franchise’s success.

Helms also had a familial connection to baseball; his nephew, Wes Helms, enjoyed a 13-year career in the majors with teams including the Florida Marlins and Atlanta Braves.

Tommy Helms leaves behind a significant legacy in baseball, remembered not only for his statistics and awards but also for his impact on the game and those who played alongside him. His contributions are honored through the memories of fans and teammates alike.

Source
www.foxnews.com