Peyton Manning Congratulates Todd Helton on Baseball Hall of Fame Induction
Colorado Rockies legend Todd Helton is set to be enshrined in Cooperstown in 2024 after being voted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Tuesday.
Helton, who spent his entire 17-year MLB career with the Rockies, was among three players–joined by superstar infielder Adrian Beltré and iconic catcher Joe Mauer–to receive more than 75% of the vote from baseball writers and earn their place in the Hall of Fame.
After Helton’s incredible accomplishment, fellow Colorado sports icon and former Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning reached out with a congratulatory message for the 50-year-old.
“17 years. Each of those days dedicated to one team. One city. One fanbase,” narrated Manning in a brief video tribute. “And now, at last, a Hall of Famer.”
“Todd, congratulations on your induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Congratulations, pal.”
Helton’s illustrious MLB career spanned from 1997 to 2013, and he suited up for a total of 2,247 games in a Colorado uniform, though he only made 15 postseason appearances. He ended his career with a .316/.414/.539 slash line, boasting 369 home runs, 1,406 RBI, and 2,519 hits.
Before entering the MLB, Helton was a two-sport star at Tennessee, football with a young Manning as well as baseball. He started a few games ahead of Manning, then a true freshman, in ’94 before suffering a knee injury, opening the door for the young Vols signal-caller to start.
2024 was the former first baseman’s sixth year on the Hall of Fame ballot, having first been eligible for induction to Cooperstown in ’19.
Manning, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in ’21, voiced his excitement for the legendary Rockies first baseman after Tuesday night’s votes were officially tallied.
