Tommy Helms, a two-time MLB All-Star and the National League Rookie of the Year Rookie of the Year, has died, announced Cincinnati Red’s Sunday. He was 83.
Helms debuted for Reds in 1964, but did not play full time before in 1966. He spent eight years with Cincinnati and also played for Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox before leaving Majors after the 1977 season.
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Cincinnati Reds Manager Pete Rose, Right, and coach Tommy Helms looks at during their exhibition games against Toronto during their spring training camp in Tampa, Florida, on March 31, 1987. (Ricky Rogers / TennesSean / USA Today Network via Imag images)
“We are sorry to hear about the departure to Reds Hall of Fame Other Baseman Tommy Helms,” the team announced. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”
Both Helms’ All-Star seasons came when he was with the reds.
In 1967 he fought .275 with 136 hits in 497 bats and ran in 35 races. He also had four triple, which was a career high for him at the time. Helms followed up with a .288 batting average, 47 RBI and 28 doubles. He earned MVP voices in 1968.
Cincinnati Red’s Infielder Tommy Helms on Bats in the 1965 season. (Malcolm Emmons-has Today Sports)
Astros -Fan Ripper Evil
Helms won a gold glove like the second Baseman in 1970 and 1971 before joining Astros.
Helms hit .269 with 34 home races, 477 RBI and 223 doubles for 14 seasons. In his post career he briefly succeeded in the red in the seasons 1988 and 1989. He was 28-26 in the two partial seasons.
He was introduced to Reds’ Hall of Fame in 1979.
Tommy Helms, which Reds traded to get Joe Morgan, was one of the honorable guests during the reveal of the Joe Morgan statue in front of Great American Ball Park on September 7, 2013. (LIZ DUFOUR / USA Today Network via Imag images)
Wes Helms, Tommy’s nephew, played 13 seasons in the big leagues. He appeared for Florida Marlins, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies.
