Remembering Tommy Helms: A Beloved Baseball Legend and Cincinnati Reds Icon
Tommy Helms, a former Major League Baseball infielder whose skill, leadership, and heart left an enduring mark on the game, passed away on April 13, 2025, at the age of 83. His passing was confirmed by the Cincinnati Reds, the team with which he built the foundation of a storied baseball career and lifelong legacy.
Born on May 5, 1941, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Thomas Edward Helms grew up with a deep love for baseball that was evident from a young age. That passion carried him all the way to the big leagues, where he would spend 14 seasons as a reliable, respected, and at times underappreciated star of the diamond.
Helms made his MLB debut with the Cincinnati Reds in 1964, and it didn’t take long for him to make an impact. By 1966, he was named the National League Rookie of the Year, a distinction that spoke not only to his athletic talent but also to his work ethic and consistency. Playing primarily as a second baseman, Helms was a rock-solid presence on the field. His defensive brilliance was recognized with back-to-back Gold Glove Awards in 1970 and 1971, cementing his status as one of the top defensive infielders of his era.
He was selected to the National League All-Star team in both 1967 and 1968, years that showcased his all-around ability and steady hand in the infield. Over the course of his career, Helms suited up for the Reds, the Houston Astros, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Boston Red Sox, finishing with a .269 career batting average, 1,342 hits, and a reputation for being one of the most dependable players in the league.
But Helms’ contributions to the game extended well beyond the stat sheet. After retiring from active play, he remained an integral part of the Reds organization. He served as a coach and, during turbulent times, stepped up as interim manager—not once, but twice—offering guidance, stability, and the calm leadership that characterized his entire career.
In recognition of his impact, Tommy Helms was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 1979, just a few years after he retired from playing. It was a fitting honor for a man who gave so much to the franchise and to the sport. He was more than a player—he was a mentor, a clubhouse leader, and a beloved figure among fans and teammates alike.
Off the field, Helms was known for his easygoing nature and quick wit. He had a warm smile and a gift for making people feel comfortable, whether in a locker room, a dugout, or a community event. Friends and family remember him not only as a fierce competitor but also as a kind and genuine person who never forgot where he came from.
Tommy Helms will be deeply missed by the baseball world, by the Reds family, and by all who knew him. His legacy lives on through the players he coached, the fans he inspired, and the generations of infielders who have followed in his footsteps, trying to live up to the quiet excellence he brought to every game.
As we say goodbye to a true baseball man, we honor not just his achievements, but the spirit with which he played the game. Tommy Helms was a class act on and off the field—a model of humility, toughness, and grace.
Rest in peace, Tommy Helms. Your glove may be hung up, but your legacy will always be part of the fabric of baseball.