Wes Helms
Helms in 2023
Third baseman / First baseman
Born: (1976-05-12) May 12, 1976
Gastonia, North Carolina, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 5, 1998, for the Atlanta Braves
Last MLB appearance
August 13, 2011, for the Florida Marlins
MLB statistics
Batting average.256
Home runs75
Runs batted in374
Teams

Wesley Ray Helms (born May 12, 1976) is an American former professional baseball player. During his 13-year playing career, Helms played for the Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, Florida Marlins, and Philadelphia Phillies. He played primarily as a third baseman and first baseman. Helms also served as the manager of the Charlotte Knights, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. His uncle Tommy Helms also played in MLB from 1964 to 1977.

Professional career

The Atlanta Braves selected Helms in the 10th round of the 1994 Major League Baseball draft. He made his major league debut with the Braves on September 5, 1998.[1]

On December 16, 2002, the Braves traded Helms and John Foster to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Ray King.[2] Following a successful first season with the Brewers, in which he hit 23 home runs and collected 67 RBI, he suffered a knee injury in a game against the Montreal Expos. After returning from the disabled list, he struggled to regain his previous form as well as playing time, being demoted to backup duties behind Russell Branyan.

On November 15, 2006, Helms agreed to a two-year, $5.5 million contract-in-principle with the Philadelphia Phillies, which included a club option for the third year. On April 2, 2008, he was designated for assignment by the Phillies,[3] and three days later was traded to the Florida Marlins, in exchange for cash considerations.[4][5] He was released by the Marlins on August 13, 2011.[6]

On August 17, 2011, he signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves and was assigned to the Triple-A Gwinnett Braves. He was released by the Braves on September 1, 2011.

Coaching career

Helms was the bench coach of the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs for the 2018 season, followed by the Double-A Birmingham Barons for the 2019 season.[7] In 2020, he was named manager of the Triple-A Charlotte Knights.[8]

On May 20, 2022, the White Sox put Helms on an indefinite leave of absence from the Knights.[9]

References

  1. ↑ "Wes Helms Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2021-04-21.
  2. ↑ "Brewers Get Helms, Foster from Braves". 16 December 2002.
  3. ↑ Helms designated for assignment
  4. ↑ Florida Marlins - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
  5. ↑ Riley puts priority on finding a center - 13 April 2008 - MiamiHerald.com
  6. ↑ Mannella, Dan. "Marlins Release Wes Helms". MLBTradeRumors.com. Retrieved 14 August 2011.
  7. ↑ "Barons Announce 2019 Coaching Staff". MiLB.com. Retrieved 2019-01-15.
  8. ↑ "Gastonia Native Wes Helms Named Charlotte's New Manager". MiLB.com. Retrieved 2020-01-13.
  9. ↑ "Charlotte Knights manager Wes Helms placed on 'indefinite leave' from the Chicago White Sox Triple-A affiliate". Chicago Tribune.
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