When Colorado Rockies star Todd Helton admitted that his play was negatively impacted by PED story

Former Colorado Rockies star Todd Helton was once accused by a broadcaster of using performance-enhancing drugs. In 2005, Wayne Hagin made a wild claim that the All-Star first baseman had used steroids in the 1990s. Helton was furious at the time.

In a 2006 interview with the Denver Post, he disclosed that the negative impact of the story affected his play.

“I know it affected how I felt out there because to me that’s my little sanctuary where I can go and play. It’s the first time I got out there and I didn’t feel right in my own skin.”

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Todd Helton's place in the Hall of Fame

Helton has been on the ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame since 2019, when he got 16.5% of the vote, which was above the 5% threshold needed to be on the ballot, but far below the 75% threshold needed for the election. As of the 2021 ballot, his third appearance, his support has risen to 44.9%. A player may only appear on the ballot 10 times in total.

Helton has almost 2,500 hits, 369 home runs, five MLB All-Star appearances, three Gold Gloves at first base, four Silver Slugger awards, and a lifetime batting average of.316.

He is the first Rockies player to have his number retired.

Colorado Rockies v Philadelphia Phillies, Game 1

Helton was detained for driving while intoxicated in Colorado in 2013. He was sentenced to a $400 fine, a year of probation, and 24 hours of community service. After wrecking his automobile in 2019, Helton received yet another DUI citation. After that, he started a therapy plan.