This was sad news, as beloved Chicago Cubs clubhouse manager Tom “Otis” Hellmann passed away Wednesday night. He joined the Cubs organization in 1983, first running the visiting clubhouse at Wrigley Field and then serving as the Home Clubhouse Manager through 2022. In 2023, Hellmann was named Home Clubhouse Manager Emeritus.
Hellmann spent 50 years working in baseball, beginning with the Cincinnati Reds in 1974. He was the Assistant Clubhouse Manager with the Reds for nine seasons prior to his long career working with the Cubs.
Former and current Cubs players mourned the passing of Hellmann, sharing their feelings on social media after the news came out earlier this week.
Carlos Zambrano, who pitched for the Cubs from 2001-2011, wrote the following on Instagram.
“This gentleman was a the greatest to me in my 11 years with the cubs, many people don’t know that because of him we look good on the field, Mientras muchos dormían, él estaba trabajando para que nos desempeñáramos bien en el campo RIP TOM (Otis ) one last GO YOU CUBBIES will miss you buddy”
Cubs World Series champion Jon Lester posted on Twitter.
“Mourning alongside my Cubs family this evening after hearing about the passing of Otis. Otis was as loyal and dedicated as the day is long. He had a welcoming demeanor and a big heart. He was funny, he was kind, he was my friend, and I’m going to miss him. Rest easy buddy.”
Sean Marshall, who pitched with the Cubs from 2006-2011, also passed along his condolences.
“Otis Hellman, a true example of a selfless, caring, “put others before yourself” kind of person. Your work ethic, your love for the Cubs, your warm and caring attitude to all will truly be missed. Love and prayers to his family and all who loved him.”
Meanwhile, current Cubs Justin Steele and Ian Happ had similar feelings about Hellmann, who will be deeply missed.
Via MLB.com.
Among his accolades, Tom was selected to accompany the Major League Baseball All-Star squad that traveled to Japan following the 2004 season. In 2016, he was named the Clubhouse Manager of the Year by his peers throughout the game and, at the end of last season, he was awarded a ring from the Clubhouse Managers Association for his outstanding 50 years in baseball.
Hellmann, who was 67, is survived by his wife, Mary, and three children, Lena, Hanna and Theo.
Otis Rest in Paradise thank you for being part of The team for so many years. Here’s his segment from the WGN “Cubs Forever” special pic.twitter.com/j9kJZC7OmT
— Munn 🇵🇸 (@MunnDNitro) February 1, 2024
