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Matt Helms: From Eufaula High School to collegiate and professional baseball
B:, sports
April 1, 2026
Matt Helms: From Eufaula High School to collegiate and professional baseball
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR,

Matt Helms is an American baseball player best known for his standout performances at Eufaula High School in Oklahoma and later in college and independent professional leagues. Helms became one of the most accomplished baseball athletes to come out of his hometown of Eufaula, Oklahoma.

Helms excelled on the baseball field as a catcher and infielder. During his years with the Ironheads, Helms earned multiple honors, including All-State recognition and was named Green Country Player of the Year. He helped lead his team to the state semifinals twice, solidifying his reputation as one of the top players in the region.

In addition to baseball, Helms was a multi-sport athlete, earning letters in football and basketball, showing his athletic versatility and competitive spirit. After high school, Helms continued his baseball career at Seminole State Community College (Oklahoma), where he developed further as an outfielder. He was a standout performer, earning conference honors and showcasing a potent bat and solid fielding ability.

Helms’ success at Seminole State opened the door for a transfer to the University of Louisville, a major Division I baseball program. With the Louisville Cardinals, he continued to make an impact: He contributed key hits in crucial games and provided depth to the Cardinals’ outfield.

In one of his most memorable moments, Helms came through with a clutch goahead pinch-hit in an NCAA Super Regional game, helping Louisville advance further in the postseason..

Helms finished his college career with a respectable batting performance and was noted for his work ethic and leadership on and off the field.

After college, Helms went on to play professionally in independent leagues, including several seasons with teams in the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball (CanAm League). Over multiple seasons, he demonstrated consistent hitting, speed, and versatility in the outfield, proving himself a valuable contributor at the professional independent level.

Helms’ professional career extended through the mid-2010s, showing both durability and adaptability as he competed against a range of pitching talent across leagues.

While he didn’t reach Major League Baseball, Matt Helms’ baseball journey — from small-town Oklahoma to national collegiate competition and professional independent ball — is a story of perseverance, dedication, and passion for the sport. His rise from Eufaula High to competitive baseball highlights the impact young athletes from smaller communities can have on the game. Helms will go down in history, like his father Stacy Helms, as one of the greatest baseball players to come out of Eufaula.

Lake Eufaula Fishing Report
Sports | Outdoors
Lake Eufaula Fishing Report
April 1, 2026
Elevation is 2.5 ft. below normal and stable, water temperature 55°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, jerk baits, and plastic ...
Lady Ironheads top the field to win Canadian Golf Tournament; Lady Wildcats place 6th
B:, sports
Lady Ironheads top the field to win Canadian Golf Tournament; Lady Wildcats place 6th
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
April 1, 2026
The Eufaula Lady Ironheads brought home hardware Wednesday, capturing the team title at the Canadian Golf Tournament at Arrowhead Golf Course with a strong all-around performance. Eufaula set the tone...
Ironheads explode early run past Canadian 14-5
B:, sports
Ironheads explode early run past Canadian 14-5
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
April 1, 2026
The Eufaula Ironheads (15) came out swinging Friday night and never let up, powering past Canadian in their first commanding victory of the season, 14-5. Eufaula wasted no time lighting up the scorebo...
Ferguson’s big day powers Wildcats in 15-1 rout over Roland
B:, sports
Ferguson’s big day powers Wildcats in 15-1 rout over Roland
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
April 1, 2026
The Checotah Wildcats (12-2) came out swinging and never looked back. Behind a clutch performance from Taten Ferguson, Checotah Varsity rolled past Roland 15-1 on Monday in dominant fashion. Ferguson ...
Eufaula Police awarded $2,500 grant
A: Main, news
Eufaula Police awarded $2,500 grant
March 25, 2026
The Eufaula Police Department was recently awarded almost $2,500 in grant funding from East Central Electric Cooperative and the CVEC Foundation. Through this funding, our department was able to purch...
A: Main, news
Chili, community and a cause
March 25, 2026
An evening of fellowship, food and community spirit is set to bring Eufaula together later this month as the EFUMC United Methodist Men host their “Chili for the 180” Building Fund Dinner. The event, ...
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A: Main, news
Eufaula woman drowns in Lake Eufaula while aiding children
March 25, 2026
A 53-year-old Eufaula woman died Sunday afternoon after a drowning at Lake Eufaula in Pittsburg County. The incident occurred around 3:10 p.m. at the 9 South Swim Area, according to the Oklahoma Highw...
City gathers community input through stakeholder meetings for comprehensive plan
A: Main, news
City gathers community input through stakeholder meetings for comprehensive plan
March 25, 2026
The City of Eufaula continued its work on the community’s first comprehensive plan last week by hosting a series of stakeholder meetings on Monday and Tuesday, March 16–17. Over the course of two days...
McIntosh County unveils new logo honoring history, heritage
A: Main, news
McIntosh County unveils new logo honoring history, heritage
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
March 25, 2026
McIntosh County officials have unveiled a new county logo designed to reflect the area’s history, culture and natural beauty. “This new symbol represents not only where we’ve been, but who we are toda...
Fort Smith police arrest suspect in connection with a stabbing that injured one woman
A: Main, news
Fort Smith police arrest suspect in connection with a stabbing that injured one woman
March 25, 2026
A Eufaula man who pre viously served prison time for a stabbing in Oklahoma has been arrested in Arkans a s , accused of attacking another woman in front of her children. According to authorities, the...
More Than the Easter Bunny
news
More Than the Easter Bunny
March 25, 2026
At the Eufaula Memorial Library on Friday, March 20, a presentation by longtime educator Roger Thompson became more than a history lesson—it became a reflection on how we learn, how we question, and h...
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