Career Timeline of Cole Hamels: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Cole Hamels, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Cole Hamels, nicknamed "Hollywood", is a retired American professional baseball pitcher. He played in MLB for the Philadelphia Phillies (2006-2015), Texas Rangers (2015-2018), Chicago Cubs (2018-2019), and Atlanta Braves (2020). He had a notable career as a left-handed pitcher, known for his time with the Phillies.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1965: No-Hitter Against Cubs

On July 25, 2015 Cole Hamels threw the first no-hitter against the Cubs since Sandy Koufax's perfect game in 1965.

1972: No-Hitter At Wrigley

On July 25, 2015 Cole Hamels threw the first no-hitter at Wrigley since Milt Pappas did it in 1972.

1977: Bert Blyleven Traded

In 1977, Bert Blyleven had been the last pitcher to pitch a no-hitter in his final start with the team that traded him before Cole Hamels.

1990: MLB First Since 1990

Since 1990, on July 21, 2012, Cole Hamels was the first time in MLB that two pitchers had hit home runs off of each other in the same inning.

2002: Drafted by Philadelphia Phillies

Cole Hamels was drafted in the first round of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft by the Philadelphia Phillies with the 17th overall selection.

2003: Began Professional Career

In 2003, Cole Hamels began his professional baseball career pitching for the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws, and was later promoted to the Clearwater Threshers. He finished the year receiving the Paul Owens Award.

May 2006: MLB Debut

In May 2006, Cole Hamels made his Major League Baseball debut for the Philadelphia Phillies, pitching five scoreless innings against the Cincinnati Reds.

August 14, 2006: Shutout Against the Mets

On August 14, 2006, Cole Hamels had his best start of his rookie season, shutting out the New York Mets over eight innings and striking out nine.

2006: Played for the Philadelphia Phillies

In 2006, Cole Hamels played for the Philadelphia Phillies in Major League Baseball (MLB).

2006: Top Pitcher in Minor League System

In 2006, Cole Hamels reached the Triple-A level and was recognized as the top pitcher in the Phillies' minor league system.

2006: Promoted to Major Leagues

In 2006, after a strong performance in the minor leagues, Cole Hamels was promoted to the Philadelphia Phillies' major league club.

April 21, 2007: First Complete Game

On April 21, 2007, Cole Hamels pitched his first major league complete game, allowing one run on five hits and striking out 15.

2008: Won World Series MVP

In 2008, Cole Hamels led the Phillies to win the World Series and was awarded the World Series Most Valuable Player Award.

2009: Signed Three-Year Contract

After the 2008 season, Cole Hamels signed a three-year contract with the Phillies in 2009.

2009: Formed the Hamels Foundation

Cole Hamels formed the Hamels Foundation in 2009 with a mission of uplifting the lives of children, families & communities across the globe through the power of education.

2009: Signed Contract with Phillies

In 2009, Cole Hamels signed a three-year, $20.5 million contract with the Phillies and was named the Opening Day starter.

December 15, 2010: Cliff Lee Returned to the Phillies

On December 15, 2010, Cliff Lee returned to the Phillies and the team's starting rotation was considered one of the best in pitching history.

2010: Halladay Acquired by the Phillies

Entering the 2010 season, the Phillies acquired Roy Halladay in a trade. The Phillies did not re-sign Myers, and Halladay was named the Phillies' opening day starter.

2010: Statistics Rebounded

In 2010, Cole Hamels' statistics somewhat rebounded after a tumultuous 2009 season, but still not approaching his 2008 numbers.

2011: Finished Season

In 2011, Cole Hamels concluded the season with a 14–9 record, 194 strikeouts, a 2.79 ERA, and a 0.986 WHIP. He also finished fifth in the Cy Young Award voting.

2011: Career Highs

In 2011, Cole Hamels finished the season with career highs in wins (17) and strikeouts (216), earning the "Steve Carlton Most Valuable Pitcher" award.

July 21, 2012: First Career Home Run

On July 21, 2012, Cole Hamels hit his first career home run off San Francisco Giants pitcher Matt Cain.

2013: Opening Day Starter

Before the 2013 season, Cole Hamels was named the opening day starter. On April 1, 2013, in his first career opening day start, Hamels allowed five earned runs in five innings and took the loss.

July 25, 2015: No-Hitter

On July 25, 2015, Cole Hamels no-hit the Chicago Cubs 5–0 at Wrigley Field, striking out 13.

July 31, 2015: Traded to Texas Rangers

On July 31, 2015, Cole Hamels was traded to the Texas Rangers along with Jake Diekman.

2015: Division Title

In 2015, Cole Hamels helped the Texas Rangers clinch the AL West title on the final day of the season.

2015: Played for the Texas Rangers

In 2015, Cole Hamels played for the Texas Rangers in Major League Baseball (MLB).

2016: Finished Season

In 2016, Cole Hamels finished the season with a 15–5 record and a 3.32 ERA.

2016: All-Star Season with Rangers

In 2016, Cole Hamels had an All-Star season with the Texas Rangers.

2017: Hamels Donates Mansion to Charity

In 2017, Cole Hamels and his wife donated their 32,000-square-foot Missouri mansion, valued at $10 million, to Camp Barnabas, a Christian charity for children with special needs.