Todd Helton

Rockies first baseman Todd Helton released a statement through the team Wednesday apologizing for his arrest overnight in a Denver suburb for drunken driving and careless driving.

“Last evening I exercised poor judgment and was charged with drinking and driving after driving to a gas station near my house,” Helton said. “I am very sorry and embarrassed by my actions. I hold myself to a high standard and take my responsibility as a public figure very seriously. My entire career I have worked to set a positive example for my family and in our community and I fell far short of this standard.

“I sincerely ask my family, the Colorado Rockies organization, Major League Baseball and the community to accept my apology. I make no excuses and accept full responsibility for my actions. I humbly ask your forgiveness.”

Helton, 39, has announced that he will play his final season in 2013. The five-time All-Star played just 69 games last year before undergoing hip surgery in August. In his 16-year career, all with the Rockies, he has 2,420 hits, 354 home runs and 1,345 RBIs.

“We were extremely disappointed to learn that Todd was arrested this morning. This type of behavior is taken very seriously by our organization,” the Rockies said in a statement. “We know that he clearly understands the seriousness of his poor decision, the harm that could have been inflicted on others and the embarrassment his mistake has caused to himself, his family, the Colorado Rockies organization and to Major League Baseball.

“Todd is taking full accountability for his actions with his family, his fans and the organization. The man we have grown to know has strong values that are grounded in his family and hard work. Todd clearly understands the severity of the situation.”