Helms was born May 5, 1941, in Charlotte, North Carolina and was a 1959 graduate of West Mecklenburg High School.

[citation needed] In 1959-60, Helms played shortstop for the Palatka RedLegs of the Class-D Florida State League.

In 1963, he was promoted to the San Diego Padres of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League, where he played in 138 games.

He made his major league debut on September 23, 1964, against the Philadelphia Phillies with one plate appearance that year.

A natural shortstop, Helms was ultimately moved to third base by the Reds his rookie season, with Leo Cárdenas firmly entrenched at short since 1962.

[13] Helms clubbed nine home runs, batted .284, and provided sparkling defense at his new position.

[15] In 1967, the Reds shuffled their line-up, moving budding superstar Tony Pérez[16][17] to third, Helms to second, and Pete Rose from second base to left field.

In 1967, he was called up for Marine reserve duty during the summer, and had to get a furlough to participate in the 1967 All-Star game.

[22] Helms started all five games of the 1970 World Series, with four hits and one walk in 19 plate appearances as the Reds fell to the Baltimore Orioles.

[25] During his Gold Glove season of 1971, Helms set a Reds record turning 130 double plays, which led all major league second basemen that year.

[1][26][27] In his autobiography, Charlie Metro shares this anecdote about Morganna "The Kissing Bandit" and Helms: "At first the players were shy and would kind of run.

'"[28] On November 29, 1971, Helms was part of a blockbuster trade that brought Joe Morgan, Denis Menke, César Gerónimo, Ed Armbrister and Jack Billingham from the Houston Astros for Helms, Lee May and Jimmy Stewart.

In 1975, he started only 28 games, with 147 plate appearances and a .207 batting average; though his fielding percentage in limited playing time remained typically excellent (.988).

[1] He rights were purchased by the Oakland A's in November 1976, but before the 1977 season started, he was traded back to the Pirates, along with Chris Batton and Phil Garner for Tony Armas, Doug Bair, Dave Giusti, Rick Langford, Doc Medich and Mitchell Page during spring training.

[3] He signed with the Boston Red Sox for the remainder of the 1977 season, serving primarily as a designated hitter before calling it a career.

"[citation needed] In 1,435 games over 14 seasons, Helms compiled a .269 batting average (1,342-for-4,997) with 414 runs, 223 doubles, 21 triples, 34 home runs, 477 RBIs, 231 bases on balls, 301 strikeouts, .300 on-base percentage and .342 slugging percentage.

[38] On April 30, 1988, during a home game against the New York Mets, and following a call by umpire Dave Pallone which allowed the Mets' eventual winning run to score in the 6–5 game, Rose argued vehemently and made physical contact with the umpire, noticeably pushing him.

[39] Helms served as manager of the Reds during Rose's suspension and led the team to a 12–15 record.