Ryan Helsley Bio
Ryan Dalton Helsley is a Native American professional baseball pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets. Helsley played college baseball at Northeastern State University and was selected by the Cardinals in the fifth round of the 2015 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2019 and was named an All-Star in 2022 and 2024. Notably, he was recognized as the NL Reliever of the Year in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Ryan Helsley was born on July 18, 1994, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, USA. He attended Sequoyah High School, where he was actively involved in baseball, basketball, football, and track. After high school, he enrolled at Northeastern State University, where he continued to develop his baseball skills. During his freshman year, he achieved a 7–4 record with a 4.60 earned run average (ERA) and was named the MIAA Freshman of the Year. His performance as a sophomore further solidified his potential, as he posted a 14–8 record with a 4.06 ERA in 126+1⁄3 innings pitched.
Path to Baseball
Helsley’s journey to professional baseball began when he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the fifth round of the 2015 MLB draft. After signing with the team, he made his professional debut with the Johnson City Cardinals, where he posted an impressive 2.01 ERA in 40+1⁄3 innings. In 2016, he pitched for the Peoria Chiefs, achieving a 10–2 record with a 1.61 ERA, which earned him a spot as a Midwest League All-Star. His consistent performance led to promotions through the Cardinals’ minor league system, culminating in his addition to the 40-man roster after the 2018 season.
Ryan Helsley Career
Early Career (2015–2019)
Helsley began his professional career in 2015 and quickly made a name for himself in the minor leagues. He debuted in the MLB on April 16, 2019, and made an immediate impact by throwing two and a third innings in relief. Over the course of the 2019 season, he recorded a 2.95 ERA in 36+2⁄3 innings, showcasing his potential as a reliable pitcher. In the postseason that year, he demonstrated his skills by pitching 5+1⁄3 innings without allowing any earned runs.
Breakthrough (2022–2024)
Helsley’s breakthrough season came in 2022 when he compiled a remarkable 5–1 record with a 0.73 ERA and was selected to represent the Cardinals at the All-Star Game in Los Angeles. His performance continued to improve, and in 2024, he was named the NL Reliever of the Year after leading the league in saves. He recorded a total of 49 saves that season, setting a Cardinals record and solidifying his status as one of the top relievers in the league.
Notable Works and Milestones
Ryan Helsley’s signature achievements include being a two-time All-Star (2022, 2024), earning a spot on the All-MLB First Team in 2024, and being recognized as the NL Reliever of the Year in the same year. His impressive statistics include a career win-loss record of 31–18, an earned run average of 2.96, and 377 strikeouts as of the end of the 2025 season.
Ryan Helsley Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Ryan Helsley has received multiple award nominations, including recognition as an All-Star in 2022 and 2024, and nominations for various reliever awards in the National League.
Ryan Helsley Awards Won
Ryan Helsley has won several prestigious awards, including being named an All-Star twice and receiving the NL Reliever of the Year award in 2024. He was also recognized as the MLB saves leader in 2024.
Ryan Helsley Family
Ryan Helsley is married to Alex, and the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in 2022. They maintain a private family life while balancing their commitments to baseball and personal interests.
Personal Life
Ryan Helsley is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and has some ability to speak the Cherokee language. He is a Christian and has been vocal about issues affecting Native Americans, particularly in relation to sports culture. Helsley has expressed his views on the use of Native American imagery in sports, advocating for respectful representation.