Tommy V. Helms

Tommy V. Helms, born on May 5, 1941, passed on April 13, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and family values. His life spanned over eight decades, filled with cherished moments, deep connections, and the joy of being surrounded by those who loved him dearly.

Tommy is survived by his beloved wife, Cathy (Giannini) Helms, and his granddaughter, Taylor Rose Helms, who brought him immense joy and pride. He also leaves behind his brother, Randy (Karen) Helms, who stood by his side throughout their lives. The bonds of family were profoundly important to Tommy, encapsulated in the love he had for his niece, Michelle McClure, and his great-niece, Lauren (Cody) Fairbanks.

Tommy's family extends further with a host of nephews, including Michael (Jennifer) Plummer, Tracy (Suzanne) Helms, and the next generation of his family: great-nephews Bennett Helms, Owen Helms, and Jackson Plummer, as well as great-nieces Harley Helms and Breanna (Sam) Tompkins. He also had the distinction of being a great-great-uncle to Hayes Fairbanks, a role he embraced with warmth and affection.

He is predeceased by several family members, including his father, Clyde D. Helms, his mother, Laura Baker Helms, his brother, Larry (Anita) Helms, his sister, Linda (Larry) Plummer, and his niece, Lori (Van) Radford. Additionally, Tommy was predeceased by his sons, Tommy Jr. (Tuck) and Ryan Health, and their mother, Rita (Johnson) Helms. The impact of his loss will be felt deeply by all who knew and loved him.

Tommy V. Helms will be remembered not only for the family ties he cherished but also for the kindness he extended to everyone who crossed his path. His presence illuminated the lives of those around him, and his memory will continue to resonate through the generations he inspired.

Tommy dreamed of playing Major League baseball and those dreams were realized many times over. He came to the Major Leagues with the Reds very late in the 1964 season and two years later was named the National League Rookie of the Year, batting .284 and striking out only 31 times in 578 appearances. Thus began a 14 year career, 8 with the Reds, 4 with Houston and 1 each with Pittsburgh and Boston. His career was one of highlights and recognition. Tommy was a two time National League All-Star in 1967 and 68. He won the Gold Glove Award twice for this defensive excellence at second base in 1970 and 71. His eight year career with Cincinnati was so good that in 1979 he was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame.

After retiring, he was a Major League coach with the Texas Rangers and in 1983, returned to the Reds as a coach. He served in that capacity thru the 1989 season. Twice during that time, he stepped in to manage the team for Pete Rose on an interim basis. Many felt he should have been named Manager on a permanent basis when Rose was banned from the game in 1989.

Tommy will, forever, be remembered as hitting the first Reds homerun at Riverfront Stadium on July 1st, 1970.

Tommy Helms epitomized what a Major League Baseball player is all about.

In addition to Tommy being in the Reds Hall of Fame he was also inducted to the Charlotte Baseball Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Baseball Hall of Fame. Tommy also served in United States Marine Corp Reserves for 6 years.

Please make donations in Tommy's name to Hospice of Cincinnati.

There will be a celebration of Tommy's life held at the Reds Hall of Fame on Saturday July 19th from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm open to anyone who would like to join in the celebration. Burial will be held privately for the family at Resthaven Memorial Cemetery in Blue Ash.