A seven-year layoff can be devastating for a top-notch athlete, but Mankato’s own Travis Helling is hoping to defy the odds.

Helling, 33, a Mankato East and Minnesota State University baseball standout for most of the 1990s, has decided to give up his self-imposed retirement and rejoin the Mankato Twins amateur baseball team.

“I’ve been thinking about it since last fall,” Helling said this week. “My wife and (Twins manager) Jay Nessler’s wife work together and they started talking about how fun it would be if the two husbands played together this summer.

“I went and did some hitting at the Sports Institute and it felt all right so I decided to give it a shot. I’ve played a lot of slowpitch and I still play basketball at the Y a few times a week but it’s different getting into baseball shape. I just hope I don’t embarrass myself.”

Nessler believes there’s a little more to it than just getting permission from the wives. He said Helling showed up at the last few Mankato Twins games last year and thought that might be a good sign.

“I could tell he still had the itch,” Nessler said. “He’s a great athlete. It may take him a little while to get his timing back but I think he’s going to be a great addition.”

Helling still ranks sixth on MSU’s all-time list for runs scored (123), is sixth in total bases (278), eighth in doubles (28), second in triples (10), 11th in home runs (20), 10th in RBIs (106) and 12th in stolen bases (31). His return to the Twins makes him the second-oldest player on the roster. Only outfielder/designated hitter Craig Fritz is older.

The 2008 version of the Twins will look much like last year’s team. Dane Secott has returned and will join Chris Rupert to handle most of the starting pitching duties. Joe Kern will also pitch and Ryan Greene may throw some innings, as well.

Dane Allen has returned and will likely share time at first base with Kyle Hoover. Nessler will play second, Kosuke Hattori is the shortstop and Greene will play third.

Ben Kaus will start in center and continue his role as the team’s closer. The outfield positions will be manned by Zach Danelson, Josh Anderson, Helling and Fritz. One of them will also likely DH.

Mankato Loyola/MSU product Steve Helget figures to be the team’s full-time catcher.

“It’s going to be a little weird,” Helling said. “Fritzy is the only guy on the team I’ve ever played ball with before, but I’m sure it’ll work out fine.”

The Twins open the season Sunday with an away game at South St. Paul. Mankato’s home opener is Wednesday against the Austin A’s at 7:30 p.m. at Franklin Rogers Park.

Jim Rueda is the Free Press sports editor. To contact him, call 344-6381 or e-mail him at jrueda@mankatofreepress.com.