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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.

Easter weekend was egg-stra special
A: Main, news
Easter weekend was egg-stra special
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
April 8, 2026
McIntosh County Easter weekend was filled with activity, even as spring storms forced a few last-minute changes across the area. At Lake Eufaula State Park and other locations, rising water and soggy ...
A: Main, news
Commissioner races highlight McIntosh County ballot
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
April 8, 2026
Filing for the 2026 election cycle has closed, leaving McIntosh County voters with a mix of uncontested races and a handful of competitive contests. Several county officials filed for re-election with...
Recognizing the hearts behind the rescue
A: Main, news
Recognizing the hearts behind the rescue
By City of Eufaula proclamation honors Paws N? Claws volunteers 
April 8, 2026
SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER A local volunteer group dedicated to giving animals a second chance received special recognition Monday night as the City of Eufaula issued a proclamation, highlighting i...
Messiah comes to McIntosh County
A: Main, news
Messiah comes to McIntosh County
By LaDonna Rhodes Staff Writer 
April 8, 2026
The Messiah came to McIntosh County once again. Over the course of two nights almost 1,200 people witnessed His return, but how many missed it? Though there have been several productions over the year...
Pride of Eufaula earns top state band honor
A: Main, news
Pride of Eufaula earns top state band honor
April 8, 2026
The Pride of Eufaula band earned the OSSAA State Sweepstakes Award in Class 4A during the OSSAA State Concert Band Contest held Thursday, April 2, at East Central University. The Sweepstakes Award is ...
news
Chamber to host Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony
April 8, 2026
The Eufaula Area Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Banquet and Awards on April 16, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Dobber’s Roadhouse in Longtown. Attendees are invited to come out east and have a good time...
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Resurrection Sunday was just the beginning
commentary
Resurrection Sunday was just the beginning
April 8, 2026
As I watched one local church depict the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ this past Thursday and Friday and then heard my pastor and other pastors preach about the significance of the resu...
news
Community Center fundraiser
April 8, 2026
The Crowder Choctaw Community Center will host a garage and bake sale on Friday and Saturday, April 10-11, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. The event will be held rain or shine and will feature a varie...
commentary
Governor, U.S. Senator set pace for local, state, federal candidates
April 8, 2026
More than 600 Oklahomans have filed for district, state and federal offices, according to the Oklahoma State Election Board. That’s more than the 569 who filed four years ago. Fifteen have filed for g...
news
Team Up to Clean Up
April 8, 2026
The City of Eufaula and Team Up to Clean Up are inviting all residents to join forces in a city-wide beautification and clean-up effort on May 2, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Let’s come together to uplift o...
Civil War expert will speak at library
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Civil War expert will speak at library
April 8, 2026
“Homefront Heroics During the Civil War” is the topic to be explored by Dr. James Finck, professor of history at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, at the 1 p.m. Friday, April 17 meeting ...
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