Although he is just two weeks shy of his 39th birthday, Helton has no plans to retire. After a six-month recovery period, the Knoxville native expects to be ready to go for the opening of Spring Training.Â
"We knew when I was on the DL that [the labrum] was torn, there was something wrong with the bone and then there was cartilage messed up," Helton told MLB.com on Monday. "I was going to give [playing] a shot. I wanted to finish the year, but it wouldn't have been the best outcome.
"If I wanted to play next year, it was best to go ahead and get it done so I can be ready for Spring Training."
A career .320 hitter, Helton has played 15 MLB seasons, all with the Rockies after being a first-round pick out of Tennessee in 1995. He has 960 extra-base hits, tying him with Hall of Famer Robin Yount for 44th all-time, including 354 career home runs.
Helton has also recorded 1,345 RBIs and has walked (1,295) more times than he has struck out (1,088) throughout his 2,123-game career.
ESPN.com - Helton needs hip surgery
MLB.com - Helton doesn't want to go out like this
DenverPost.com - Helton out for season, bound for surgery on hip
DenverPost.com - Injured Todd Helton deserves to go out on his terms
