Tommy Helms, a name familiar to baseball enthusiasts, made his presence felt on the field as a reliable infielder. Born on May 5, 1941, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Helms began his journey in professional baseball when he signed with the Cincinnati Reds as an amateur free agent in 1959. His early years in the minor leagues were marked by steady development, and he eventually made his major league debut with the Reds in 1964.
Helms quickly established himself as a dependable second baseman. In 1966, he became a regular starter for the Reds, showcasing his defensive skills and consistent batting. His performance earned him the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1966, a testament to his immediate impact on the team. Helms was known for his solid fielding, often ranking among the league leaders in fielding percentage for second basemen.
Throughout his tenure with the Reds, Helms was a part of a formidable infield lineup. He played alongside Pete Rose, Tony Perez, and Dave Concepcion, contributing to the Reds' competitive edge during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Helms was selected to the National League All-Star team in 1967 and 1968, further cementing his reputation as a reliable player.
In 1971, Helms was traded to the Houston Astros, where he continued to demonstrate his defensive prowess. Although his offensive numbers were modest, his ability to prevent runs and make crucial plays in the field was highly valued. Helms spent three seasons with the Astros before being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1976. His time with the Pirates was brief, and he was soon on the move again, this time to the Boston Red Sox.
Helms' career came full circle when he returned to the Cincinnati Reds in 1977. He played his final major league season with the team in 1977, bringing his playing career to a close. Over the course of his career, Helms compiled a batting average of .269, with 34 home runs and 477 RBIs. His defensive skills were consistently recognized, and he was awarded two Gold Glove Awards in 1970 and 1971.
After retiring as a player, Helms transitioned into coaching and managing. He served as a coach for several teams, including the Texas Rangers and the Chicago White Sox. Helms also had a stint as the interim manager for the Cincinnati Reds in 1988 and 1989, guiding the team through transitional periods.
⚾