Helms Looms Large For Reds

By Milton Richman
Tampa, Fla. (UPI) - (copy of 1966 article) Rookie Tommy Helms has it made and doesn’t know it.

To begin with, Cincinnati’s new 24 - year - old second basemen has been the most publicized rookie in the state of Florida this spring but you’d never guess it by talking with him.

Secondly, he led all major league hitters with a .381 average last year, but any time that’s mentioned he laughs like who’s – kidding – who?

And thirdly, he didn’t rush right out and buy a brand new car even though the Reds moved the National League’s all-star second basemen over to another position merely to make room for him.

Clean Cut

“I don’t delude myself myself about any of those things,” declared the clean-cut Charlotte, NC, youngster for whom the Reds turned down a quarter million dollar offer this past winter.

“I’ve noticed a couple of stories about me, but I don’t go around buying all the papers,” he laughed fixing the web of his glove after taking infield practice. “And I know I’m not going to hit anything like .381 this year. That was for only 21 games.

“As for them moving Pete Rose over to third so I could get a chance at second, it was quite an honor for me,” continued Helms. “Pete and I room together. He kids me by saying, you’re taking my job away.”

To get some idea of how much the Reds think of Helms, not only did they switch Rose over to third base for him but they also are sending third basemen Deron Johnson out to left field.

All this maneuvering has taken place for the hustling, five-foot-10, 175 pounder whom his teammates kiddingly call “Honus” and whom most baseball experts say reminds them of Eddie Stanky.