‘I’m real excited’: Charlotte Knights new manager gets ready for return of baseball

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The return of baseball brings positivity, warmer weather and outdoor gatherings on the horizon, and this year -- hope.

The end of the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be drawing near, the same pandemic that canceled minor league baseball last year, and Wes Helms’ first season as manager of the Charlotte Knights.

“Last year was a real disappointment for myself, especially, getting the job, then everything got shut down,” Helms said.

The Knights signed Helms in January 2020 but still hasn’t filled out his first lineup card.

“This year, with everything looking like it’s gonna be a go here in May, I’m real excited about it. Got a real good team coming the Charlotte fans way and I’m ready to get ‘em on the field,” he said.

Helms’ first managerial gig comes right in his backyard. He began his baseball journey about a half-hour from Truist Field in Gastonia.

“It’s pretty cool and kinda comes full circle for me,” Helms said. “When we get going and a homecoming for me, lot of people I hadn’t seen in forever, and they’ll come out and watch us play. Hits deep with me.”

Like his players, Helms is hoping the minor league molds him to be major league-ready should the opportunity come knocking.

“My goal is definitely to be a major league coach or manager. I definitely have goals, but I don’t push those goals,” he said. “I look at it kind of like being a player, you kinda go through the minor leagues to get to the big leagues and work out all the kinks, so this is my way of working the kinks out before I get that opportunity in the big leagues.”

Cox Media Group