Helena High School Retires Richard Fitts’ Jersey Number in Tribute

On January 30, 2026, Helena High School honored former baseball player Richard Fitts by retiring his jersey number seven during the Fast Pitch Dinner, an event designed to support the school’s baseball program. The cafeteria was filled with community members, despite the chilly weather, showing their support for both the team and Fitts, who has made significant contributions to local sports.

The evening featured notable attendees, including local meteorologist James Spann, who served as the master of ceremonies, and legendary baseball coach Ron Polk, who delivered the keynote speech. Fitts, a Helena native, spent three seasons playing with the Auburn Tigers and is recognized as the only former Helena player to have reached the Major Leagues.

A Journey to the Major Leagues

Fitts was drafted in the sixth round by the New York Yankees in 2021. Following a trade to the Boston Red Sox before the 2024 season, he made his Major League debut that same year. In 2025, he participated in 11 games for the Red Sox before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. With Spring Training for the 2026 season approaching, Fitts is considered a potential candidate for the Cardinals’ starting rotation.

As Fitts prepares to report to Jupiter, Florida for training, he took time to reflect on his roots during the Fast Pitch Dinner. For the first time in school history, Helena High School retired a jersey number for its athletic teams, marking a significant milestone. “I grew up here in Helena, and this is so special to me because everybody here has brought me to where I’m at now,” Fitts expressed during the ceremony.

A Legacy of Community Support

Fitts took the opportunity to thank his family, former coaches, and teammates, emphasizing how the support from the Helena community shaped his career. He expressed pride in his hometown and excitement about the future of the baseball program under the leadership of Mitch Moreland, a former Gold Glove winner and World Series Champion. “It’s unbelievable to stand in front of everybody here, it makes me have a lot of pride in Helena,” Fitts stated, highlighting his enthusiasm for the direction of the program.

The retirement of Fitts’ jersey number seven serves as a testament to his lasting impact on Helena. His legacy will now be proudly displayed for all who visit the ballpark, reminding future generations of the strong connection between the community and its athletes. As Fitts embarks on this new chapter with the Cardinals, his roots in Helena remain a source of inspiration and pride.