Thomas C. Hellmann
July 15, 1956 — January 31, 2024
Cincinnati
Thomas C. Hellmann
Thomas "Otis" Hellmann, of Chicago, beloved husband, father, and esteemed figure in Major League Baseball, passed away on January 31, 2024, at the age of 67. He was born on July 15, 1956, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduated Elder High School in 1974.
He is survived by his mother Ruth Hellmann, Wife Mary Hellmann nee Theobald; children Lena, Hanna (Christian Apitsch), and Theo; siblings, Jeffery (Debbie), Jill, Tim (Kim), and Brian (Sarah) Hellmann. Tom was predeceased by his father Leonard. He will be missed by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many, many friends and colleagues.
Tom dedicated five decades of his life to the world of baseball. Tom joined the Cincinnati Reds in 1974 and joined the Chicago Cubs in 1983 as the Visiting Clubhouse Manager until 2000. In 2000, he was promoted to the Head Equipment Manager for the Chicago Cubs home clubhouse. In 2023, he was honored for his unwavering commitment and became the Emeritus Clubhouse Manager.
Beyond his remarkable professional achievements, Tom cherished his family as his proudest accomplishment. In 1989, he married Mary Theobald, and together they raised three amazing children, Lena, Hanna, and Theo. Tom's love for his family was evident in everything he did.
A lifetime dream Tom had was to be part of the Cubs team to break the curse and win the World Series, in 2016 his dream came true. Another career highlight was in 2023, the MLB, The Clubhouse Managers Association, and New Era honored Tom for 50 years of service in the MLB.
Tom was renowned for his skills in the kitchen. His wife and children will miss waking up to
the smell of pancakes and breakfast. He loved to spend his off days from the ballpark fishing with his family and making his famous fried fish. The ball players loved his egg salad, tuna salad, and delicious ice cream.
Tom's dedication to his craft, love for his family, and passion for baseball left an indelible mark on all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of Tom's life will be held on February 10th, 2024 at St. William Church, 4108 W. 8th St. Cincinnati, Ohio, at 11 am. The service will be followed by a celebration of life at Elder High School, in the Schaeper Center 4005 Glenway Ave Cincinnati, OH 45205.
Rest in peace, Thomas "Otis" Hellmann. For his last selfless act on earth, Tom gave life through donation. Your legacy lives on through the memories you created and the impact you had on those around you.
In alignment with Tom’s spirit of generosity, the family is asking for donations in lieu of flowers. Memorials can be made to Art for All People, a ministry founded by Sarah Hellmann, at www.artforallpeople.org or a check mailed to 1759 Churchwood Cincinnati, OH 45238.
Past Services
Memorial Service
Saturday, February 10, 2024
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
St. William Church
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