Helber resigns as Twins' AA coach

By DAVID LESNICK

The Daily Inter Lake

Jack Helber stepped down Wednesday morning as head coach of the Glacier Twins AA American Legion Baseball team.

Helber cited personal reasons for tendering his resignation.

"I felt the best situation for me to do was resign at this time," Helber said.

"No animosity, nothing along those lines. There are some things I have to take care of the rest of the summer and that's what I have done."

Helber flew to California on Wednesday to be with his family.

"My mother passed away yesterday," said Helber.

"That's not all of it."

The Glacier Twins are currently 11-20 on the season overall and are coming off a second-place finish at the Williston, N.D., tournament.

The Twins have struggled with injuries this season, losing several key ballplayers to injuries.

"That's been a major challenge," he admitted.

Despite that, the Twins have remained very competitive.

Helber had been at the helm of the AA team for the past 3 1/2 seasons.

"I will be back up there next weekend," said Helber.

"Not exactly sure how long. I have some other things that have to be tended to at that point."

The Twins organization immediately named Jared Grubb to take over as head coach.

Grubb played Legion baseball with the Kalispell Lakers and collegiately at the University of Portland. After graduation, he signed a professional baseball contract and played pro ball for a short time. Grubb had been assisting Helber this year and had served as the Twins conditioning and hitting coach this spring.

Grubb resides in Kalispell and is 26 years old.

"Grubb will do a good job there," said Helber.

"I'm hoping it can turn around under his leadership."

The Twins are back in action Monday hosting the Great Falls Stallions. The conference doubleheader begins at 5 p.m.