Wes Helms

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**Wes Helms**
Major League Baseball debut
Philadelphia Phillies — No. 18
Third base
Bats: Right	Throws: Right
September 5, 1998 for the Atlanta Braves
Selected MLB statistics (through 2006)
AVG	.268
HR	58
RBI	226

Wesley Ray Helms was born in Gastonia, North Carolina on May 12, 1976). He 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' 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 The Office (US TV series).