He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, and Arizona Diamondbacks.

[1] After a successful college career at the University of Notre Dame, he was selected by the New York Mets in the first round of the 2001 amateur draft with the 18th overall pick.

Heilman was a management information systems and philosophy major in the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame.

Heilman made his major league debut at Shea Stadium on June 26, 2003, in a 6–1 loss to the Florida Marlins.

St. Louis would hold on to the lead to win the National League pennant, while Heilman suffered the loss for the Mets.

[7] Heilman signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates on August 21, 2011, and was assigned to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians.

Heilman signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers on April 4, 2012, and was assigned to the Triple-A Round Rock Express.