DENVER – The Colorado Rockies and star first baseman Todd Helton are facing the harsh reality on the eve of his farewell season that the longtime face of the franchise now has a police mug shot.
The five-time All-Star was arrested about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Denver suburb of Thornton and charged with drunken driving and careless driving.
In a statement released by the Rockies, Helton said he’s embarrassed and apologized to his family, the team and the community.
“I hold myself to a high standard and take my responsibility as a public figure very seriously,” he said, adding, “I humbly ask your forgiveness.”
Helton, 39, was arrested after someone called police to report a drunken driver, police said. They say Helton’s blood-alcohol content was over the legal limit but they haven’t released the number.
A .320 career hitter, Helton is the most accomplished player in Rockies history, collecting 2,420 hits, 354 home runs and 1,345 RBIs over his career.