Former National League Rookie of the Year Tommy Helms, a two-time All-Star for the Cincinnati Reds, has died at 83.
The Reds Hall of Fame and Museum announced his death. Cathy Helms, wife of Tommy, said he died Sunday in Cincinnati.
Helms played 14 seasons, primarily for the Reds (1964-71) and Houston Astros (1972-75).
Helms won top NL rookie honors in 1966 and was named an All-Star in each of the next two seasons.
Helms also won two Gold Gloves (1970-71) for his stellar defense as a second baseman.
After his sixth season as a Cincinnati starter, Helms was dealt to the Astros in a huge eight-player blockbuster trade in November of 1971. Among the players the Reds acquired was second baseman Joe Morgan, who went on to win two NL MVPs in a Hall of Famer career.
Helms finished his career by playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1976-77) and Boston Red Sox (1977).
Helms was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 1979.
In 1,435 games, Helms batted .269 with 34 homers and 477 RBIs. He led NL second baseman in fielding percentage three times.
Helms served two fill-in stints as Reds manager (12-15 in 1988, 16-21 in 1989). The first was while Pete Rose was serving a 30-day suspension for physical contact with an umpire and the second came after Rose was suspended for life for gambling on baseball.
–Field Level Media
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