Ryan Helsley

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Ryan Dalton Helsley

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Biographical Information[edit]

Pitcher Ryan Helsley who made his major league debut with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2019, is a member of the Cherokee Tribe.

On May 1, 2022, one of his pitches was clocked at 103.1 mph on the radar gun, the fastest by anyone that season, although still a couple of mph off the all-time record held jointly by Aroldis Chapman and teammate Jordan Hicks. He took over as the Cardinals' closer during the season, ending up with 19 saves to go along with a 9-1 record and a 1.25 ERA in 54 games. He struck out 94 batters in 64 2/3 innings. In Game 1 of the Wild Card Series on October 7th, he was brought in to protect a 2-0 lead against the Philadelphia Phillies with one out in the 8th. Things started off very well as he retired two batters to end the 8th and then started off the 9th by striking out Rhys Hoskins, but after that he fell apart completely, losing his control as he allowed a single to J.T. Realmuto then walked Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos to load the bases. He hit Alec Bohm with a pitch to force in a first run, and was replaced by Andre Pallante. What could have been a double play grounder by Jean Segura, which would have ended the game, went past 2B Tommy Edman; two runs scored, and the Phils eventually scored six runs in the nightmarish inning, pinning the loss on Ryan.

He was limited to 33 outings in 2023, going 3-4, 2.45 with 14 saves. His numbers were good, however, with just 22 hits and 17 walks allowed in 36 2/3 innings and 52 strikeouts. He then put it all together in 2024 when he was named to the All-Star team for the second time and ended up leading the National League and the majors with 49 saves. He also led the league with 62 games finished and went 7-4, 2.04 in 65 outings with 79 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings. After the season, he was named the winner of the Trevor Hoffman Award.

Notable Achievements[edit]

Further Reading[edit]

  • John Denton: "Radar gun on the fritz? No, 103.1 mph is real", mlb.com, May 1, 2022. [1]
  • Thomas Harrigan: "Clase, Helsley named Relievers of the Year", mlb.com, November 14, 2024. [2]

Related Sites[edit]

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