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| Cole Hamels will retire with the Phillies on Friday. | PHOTO: John Suarez |
Nine years after bidding farewell with a no-hitter as a Phillie, Hamels will be honored tonight with a retirement ceremony at Citizens
Bank Park. He will be the final member of the 2008 World Series team to
retire.
As we reminisce about his time in red pinstripes, five moments stand
out, defining his legacy and etching his name into the annals of
Phillies lore.
2008 World Series MVP Performance: Hamels' crowning achievement came during the 2008 postseason, where he ascended to the pinnacle of baseball greatness. In a performance for the ages, Hamels was named the World Series MVP, leading the Phillies to their first championship in 28 years. His dominance in Game 1 and resilience in the rain-soaked Game 5 against the Tampa Bay Rays will forever be remembered by the Phillies faithful.
2008 NLCS MVP: Before conquering the World Series, Hamels was the hero of the National League Championship Series. Facing the Los Angeles Dodgers, Hamels delivered two masterful starts, earning the series MVP honors. His 1.93 ERA over the series was a testament to his poise and talent, propelling the Phillies to their long-awaited return to the Fall Classic.
No-Hitter Against the Cubs (2015): On a warm July day in 2015, Hamels gave Phillies fans one final unforgettable performance. Against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, Hamels threw a no-hitter, striking out 13 and walking just two. It was a bittersweet moment, as it marked his last start for Philadelphia before his trade to the Texas Rangers, but it was a perfect farewell from a true ace.
2008 Regular Season Performance: Hamels' brilliance in the 2008 regular season set the stage for the Phillies' postseason run. His 14-10 record, 3.09 ERA, and 196 strikeouts over 227 1/3 innings were the backbone of the Phillies' rotation. His consistency and dominance were crucial in securing the NL East title and igniting the team's championship aspirations.
First Career Complete Game Shutout (2006): The promise of greatness was evident early in Hamels' career. On September 15, 2006, he threw his first complete game shutout against the Atlanta Braves, striking out 12 and allowing just four hits. It was a glimpse of the ace he would become, a harbinger of the heroics that would follow.
