CINCINNATI (WKRC) – The Cincinnati Reds are inviting the public to a Celebration of Life for Reds Hall of Famer Tommy Helms, who passed away in April. It will take place at the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum on Saturday between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Helms, the 1966 NL Rookie of the Year and member of the 1970 World Series team, passed away at the age of 83.
Helms signed as a free agent with the Reds in 1959 at the age of 18. He briefly appeared with the Reds in 1964 and 1965 before making a significant impact in his first full season in 1966. That year, he was named the National League Rookie of the Year, showcasing his versatility by transitioning from shortstop to third base.
During his 14-year MLB career, Helms played for the Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Boston Red Sox. He hit .269 with 34 homers and 477 RBI. Helms was a two-time All-Star (with a start in 1968) and won Gold Glove awards in 1970 and 1971 for his defense at second base.
Helms also hit the first-ever Reds home run at Riverfront Stadium in 1970, his only homer that season. He started all five games in the World Series loss to the Baltimore Orioles that year.
Helms was then part of a notable trade in 1971 that brought Joe Morgan to the Reds.
After retiring as a player, Helms joined the Reds’ coaching staff in 1983 and later served as the team’s manager during parts of the 1988 and 1989 seasons. Helms’ managerial tenure included stepping in for Pete Rose during a suspension for making contact with umpire Dave Pallone arguing a call and again after Rose’s permanent ineligibility from baseball. He was replaced at the end of that season by Lou Piniella.