PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Cole Hamels held nothing back as the Philadelphia fans roared as he said goodbye to the game he loved. Officially retired as a member of the Philadelphia PhilliesHamels admitted it will take some time to enjoy his retirement ceremony in front of the same fans who cheered him on for a decade in Philadelphia.
“I got to play a game that I love, and for people who really appreciated it,” said an emotional Hamels. ‘We have to do something very special in a city where the bond we have is great [with the city] will be forever. To come back and be welcomed and loved, and to try to recognize how grateful we are to play in front of the best fans in the world.”
“We did what we wanted to do. We got that trophy. What this city has shown me as a sports fan has made me an even bigger fan, especially a fan of Philadelphia sports. Take that with you. The fans are everything.”
Hamels’ farewell was a celebration of an outstanding career with the Phillies that culminated in the 2008 World Series championship, which remains the second – and final – title in franchise history. Hamels was the MVP of that World Series and engraved himself in Phillies history by going 4-0 in October with a 1.80 ERA and 0.91 WHIP.
Hamels sealed his legacy in Philadelphia by throwing a no-hitter in his last start. The Phillies legend was presented with the pitching rubber and lineup card for that no-hitter during his last start with the Phillies in 2015. Aaron Nola was his teammate during that 2015 season, while Kyle Schwarber pinch-hit that game for the Cubs made in the 2015 season. 8th inning on July 25.
Both gave the gifts to Hamels for being part of that day, the closure Hamels deserved after an outstanding decade in Philadelphia.
“When you leave a team or a moment, and I left on such a high note, there’s going to be an expectation,” Hamels said. “At the time I kind of understood what was wrong with my shoulder and I was just trying to gain time. That’s why I signed with some other teams. They gave me an excellent opportunity, which I didn’t have to be the type to do. ” by Cole Hamels in Philly.”
“In Philly the expectations would be higher. I wanted to go well. For this city I did everything and they did everything for me. You want to give them a good show. You want to be able to entertain them and You want to be able to win. If you If you don’t have 100% of everything ready, you don’t want to be disappointed.”
Hamels made three All-Star games with the Phillies, going 114-90 with a 3.30 ERA while finishing in the top 10 in Cy Young voting four times. The Phillies won nine of Hamels’ 13 starts in the postseason, while he went 7-4 with a 3.09 ERA in his postseason career with the franchise.
Simply put, Hamels is one of the greatest pitchers in Phillies history. He captivated a city with his poise and attitude on the mound, an integral part of the Phillies winning a championship.
Hamels, a champion of this city, believes this current crop of Phillies — tied for the highest winning percentage in baseball at .662 — will be next to parade down Broad Street.
“They have it,” Hamels said. “In that clubhouse you see the fun they have, the trust they all have in each other. You see the similarities [to 2008]But they are their own team.”
“When they go after something and they know they’re ready, they get the right people, the right pieces. That’s what Philly always does.”
