Did Cole Hamels Retire as a Phillie? Who is Cole Hamels?
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Updated Jun 22, 2024
Did Cole Hamels Retire as a Phillie?
Yes, Cole Hamels retired as a Phillie. After a storied career that included a memorable no-hitter in 2015, he returned to Philadelphia for a special ceremony at Citizens Bank Park. Joined by former teammates and fans, Hamels expressed gratitude for his time with the Phillies, where he earned World Series MVP honors in 2008 and became a franchise leader in strikeouts. His return marked a fitting end to his MLB journey where it began, amidst recognition of his contributions to Phillies history.
Who is Cole Hamels?
Col Hamels is a retired American baseball pitcher. He played for the Philadelphia Phillies (2006–2015), Texas Rangers (2015–2018), Chicago Cubs (2018–2019), and Atlanta Braves (2020). Hamels was drafted by the Phillies in 2002 from Rancho Bernardo High School. His career highlights include being a 4-time All-Star, winning the 2008 World Series with the Phillies, and earning World Series and NLCS MVP honors in the same year. He pitched a no-hitter in 2015 and a combined no-hitter in 2014.
Cole Hamels Career
Originally from San Diego, California, Hamels was successful at Rancho Bernardo High School in academics and sports. Drafted by the Phillies in the first round of the 2002 MLB Draft from high school, he started in their minor league teams. Hamels faced challenges including injuries, such as one from a bar fight, early in his minor league career. By 2006, he became the Phillies' top pitcher in Triple-A.
In May 2006, Hamels began playing in the majors for the Phillies. He secured a regular spot in their starting lineup as a rookie and improved significantly in the 2007 season, winning the team's top pitcher award. In 2008, Hamels was crucial to the Phillies' successful season and playoff run, winning the World Series MVP as they beat the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite signing a three-year contract after 2008, his performance declined in the following years, with a tough 2009 and a partial recovery in 2010, though not matching his peak from 2008.
Over the next few years, Hamels pitched alongside All-Star teammates like Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Roy Oswalt, enjoying some of his best seasons. In 2013, he faced challenges with low run support. As his teammates aged and the Phillies struggled, they missed the playoffs for several seasons, but Hamels remained a key player. He was traded to the Texas Rangers in 2015, helping them win their division that year. After stints with the Rangers and Cubs, injuries led to a short season in 2020, and despite attempts to return, Hamels retired in 2023.
Cole Hamels Personal Life
Cole Hamels, of Dutch descent, is the oldest of three siblings and grew up in San Diego, where his parents still live. He married reality TV personality Heidi Strobel on December 31, 2006. They lived in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, until selling their home in 2021, and also owned a home in Southlake, Texas. The family built a home in Branson, Missouri, but donated it to Camp Barnabas and relocated to Texas. Hamels and Strobel later divorced. Cole is now dating actress Rebekah Graf.
Cole Hamels Net Worth
Cole Hamels Net Worth is $105 million. His primary source of income was his career as a professional baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball. Additionally, he earned money through endorsements and other business ventures.