Tommy Helms, a former National League Rookie of the Year and an early member of the Cincinnati Reds teams whose ‘Machine’ dominated the National League in the 1970s, died Sunday. He was 83.

Helms spent 14 seasons at the major league level (1964-77). He was chosen the National League Rookie of the Year in 1966, made two NL All-Star teams (1967 and 1968), and became a two-time Gold Glove winner at second base.

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After starting his career with the Reds, Helms spent the final five seasons of his career with the Houston Astros (1972-75), Pittsburgh Pirates (1976-77) and Boston Red Sox (1977).

Helms was part of a pivotal trade in 1971 that sent him to the Houston Astros and brought Joe Morgan, among others, to the Reds. After his playing career, he returned to the Reds as an infield instructor and first base coach and served as an interim manager during two separate stints.

Although Helms was traded before the “Big Red Machine” brought two championships to Cincinnati over the remainder of the decade, he remained a beloved member of the organization. Helms was inducted to the Reds Hall of Fame in 1979.

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“Tough news to share,” John Sadak said during Sunday’s broadcast of the Reds’ game on FanDuel Sports Network (via the Cincinnati Enquirer). “Reds Hall of Famer Tommy Helms has passed away. Lost at the age of 83.

“Information shared by his surviving wife, Cathy, who said that ‘Tommy is a Red to the core. Kept his Reds hat on through his last days. He was so proud to be in the Reds Hall of Fame and wore his Reds jacket with pride.’ The Reds plan to honor Tommy and his passing this homestand. Our condolences to his family.”

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Former Reds closer Clay Carroll once said, “Who would you want at second base when the game was on the line?” and responded, “Two words: Tommy Helms.”

“Good man!” Reds Hall of Famer Barry Larkin said on the FanDuel Sports Network broadcast Sunday (via the Enquirer). “Good, great man. … Tommy would light up a room. Always smiling, joking. Great man.”

Two sons followed Helms into professional baseball. From 1990 to 1992, Tommy Helms Jr. played in the Chicago Cubs organization. His son Ryan Helms played in 1994 and 1995 in the Chicago White Sox organization. Both sons preceded their father in death.

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