Wesley Ray Helms (born in Gastonia, North Carolina
on May 12, 1976) is a professional baseball player
for the Philadelphia Phillies. On November 15, 2006
he agreed to a contract in principle with the
Philadelphia Phillies to a two year contract for
approximately 5.5 million dollars, with a club
option for a third year.
Wes Helms was drafted by the Atlanta Braves right
out of high school in the 10th round of the 1994
amateur draft. He made his Major League debut with
the Braves in 1998. On December 16, 2002 he was
traded from the Atlanta Braves to the Milwaukee
Brewers in exchange for proven reliever Ray King.
Helms played with Milwaukee for 3 seasons. He had a
successful first season there hitting 23 home runs
and collecting 67 RBI. He suffered a knee injury
during a rain delay during a game in San Juan,
Puerto Rico against the displaced Montreal Expos.
After a stint on the disabled list Helms struggled
to regain his form and his playing time. He became
the backup 3rd base to Russell Branyan. In 2005
Helms developed into one of the most prolific pinch
hitters in baseball.
In Helms's 8 years of major league service he has
batted a respectable .268 with 58 home runs. Since
he is often suspect with his glove, he makes up for
it with other areas of his defense. Wes Helms is
known throughout Major League Baseball for his
stellar throwing strength. Wes Helms is a much more
productive as a third baseman than a first baseman,
due to the fact he was drafted and manicured as such
by the Atlanta Braves.
Helms is a cousin of former Daily Show correspondent
Ed Helms who is currently an actor on NBC's The
Office.
Often considered to be in the fraternity of "Country
Strong" big league players with the likes of Matt
Stairs and Adam Dunn, Helms was once described by
baseball expert Jeff Little as "the one player I'd
like to start a team with". Helms is married with
two children Wes Jr. and Stella.
