MLB Insider Remembers A Unique Todd Helton Play

Todd Helton was one of many former MLB stars on the Hall of Fame ballot this winter.

Unfortunately, the Colorado Rockies star never got the call, though he did gain traction in the voting.

Helton was a unique player in that he played his entire career with the Rockies.

He helped lead the team to their only World Series appearance in 2007.

But above all else, Helton was a smart player.

He could hit and play defense, as well as pull off a few tricks.

On Twitter, an MLB analyst remembered a game in 2013 when Helton caught Matt Carpenter napping at first base with the famous hidden ball trick.

Todd Helton was a legend for this play. pic.twitter.com/DU1nLR9Av4

— MLB Vault (@MLBVault) January 24, 2023

The Rockies were already eliminated from the postseason picture when this took place, and were trying to play spoiler on the St. Louis Cardinals.

That afternoon, the veteran first baseman made a heads-up play and found a way to entertain the crowd at Coors Field.

The hidden ball trick is rarely used, but when it takes place, a player fakes a throw back to the pitcher and instead keeps it in his hand, waiting for the perfect opportunity to nab the runner, especially if he is leading off of a base.

And sometimes, the trick works.

Other times, not so much.

In this case, it worked out just fine for Helton and the Rockies.

When he tagged Carpenter, it ended the inning and cost the Cardinals an important opportunity.

He completely fooled Carpenter by faking a throw back to Roy Oswalt, and by the time the Cardinals star realized it, it was too late.