Colbert Michael Hamels, nicknamed "Hollywood", is a retired American baseball pitcher. He was active in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2006 to 2020. During his career, he played for several teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, and Atlanta Braves.
1965: Sandy Koufax's Perfect Game
In 1965, Sandy Koufax pitched a perfect game, a remarkable feat in baseball history. This event is noteworthy in the context of Cole Hamels' no-hitter against the Cubs, as it was the first no-hitter against the team since Koufax's perfect game.
1972: Last No-Hitter at Wrigley Field
Before Cole Hamels' no-hitter in 2015, the last no-hitter at Wrigley Field occurred in 1972. This event is significant because it highlights the rarity of Hamels' achievement.
1977: Bert Blyleven's No-Hitter and Trade
Bert Blyleven's no-hitter in his final start for the Texas Rangers in 1977 and his subsequent offseason trade to the Pittsburgh Pirates provide a historical parallel to Cole Hamels' situation. Both pitchers achieved a rare feat before switching teams.
December 27, 1983: Birth of Cole Hamels
Cole Hamels was born on December 27, 1983.
1990: Suspension and Uncommon Home Run Exchange
In an unusual turn of events on July 21, 2012, Hamels hit his first career home run off San Francisco Giants pitcher Matt Cain. This came in the same inning after Cain hit a home run off Hamels, marking a rare instance in MLB history where two pitchers exchanged home runs in the same inning.
1993: First Playoff Win Since 1993
Hamels helped the Phillies secure their first playoff victory since 1993.
2002: Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies
Cole Hamels was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the first round of the MLB draft in 2002.
2002: Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies
Cole Hamels was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the first round of the 2002 MLB draft.
2003: Professional Debut and Paul Owens Award
Cole Hamels began his professional baseball career in 2003 and was honored with the Paul Owens Award as the best pitcher in the Phillies' minor league system.
2004: Sidelined by Elbow Injury
Cole Hamels's 2004 season was significantly impacted by elbow tendinitis, limiting his playing time.
2005: Hand Injury and Continued Setbacks
In 2005, Cole Hamels experienced a broken pitching hand and back spasms, hindering his progress.
May 2006: Major League Debut and Early Career
Cole Hamels made his MLB debut in May 2006 and showcased his potential despite some initial setbacks.
May 2006: Major League Debut
Cole Hamels made his major league debut in May 2006.
August 14, 2006: Dominant Performance Against the New York Mets
Cole Hamels delivered a standout performance on August 14, 2006, shutting out the New York Mets over eight innings.
2006: Top Pitcher in the Phillies' Minor League System
By 2006, Cole Hamels had become the top pitcher in the Philadelphia Phillies' minor league system.
2006: Major League Debut with the Philadelphia Phillies
Cole Hamels made his MLB debut with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2006.
2006: Promotion to Triple-A and Impressive Performance
Cole Hamels's strong performance in 2006 earned him a promotion to Triple-A, where he continued to excel.
December 31, 2006: Marriage to Heidi Strobel
Cole Hamels married reality television personality Heidi Strobel on December 31, 2006.
April 21, 2007: First Complete Game and Career-High Strikeouts
Cole Hamels achieved his first complete game in the major leagues on April 21, 2007, while also setting a personal best with 15 strikeouts.
2007: Breakthrough Season and Phillies' Top Pitcher Award
Cole Hamels had a breakout season in 2007 and was recognized as the Phillies' top pitcher.
October 2008: Dominating October Performance
Cole Hamels' exceptional performance in October 2008 solidified his place among baseball legends. His four wins during the Phillies' championship run highlighted his ability to deliver under pressure, a feat rarely achieved by even the most seasoned pitchers. His dominance cemented his reputation as a top talent in the sport.
2008: Comparing 2008 and 2009 Performances
Comparing Hamels' 2008 and 2009 seasons reveals that his performance remained consistent across key metrics. His strikeout-to-walk ratios and home runs allowed per nine innings were very similar, implying that luck may have been a bigger factor than any significant decline in his pitching abilities.
2008: World Series Success and MVP Award
In 2008, Cole Hamels led the Philidelphia Phillies to a World Series victory, earning himself the World Series MVP award. He started and won Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Rays, and after a rain delay, secured the win in Game 5. Hamels showcased exceptional pitching throughout the postseason, with an impressive 1.80 ERA across five starts.
2008: World Series Championship and MVP Award
In 2008, Cole Hamels played a key role in the Phillies' World Series victory and earned the World Series MVP award.
2008: Brief Experimentation with a Two-Seam Fastball
Around 2008, Cole Hamels briefly incorporated a two-seam fastball into his pitching repertoire.
2009: Facing Criticism and Scrutiny
Following his 2009 season, Hamels was subject to harsh criticism from Phillies fans and the media. His performance was deemed disappointing, leading to labels such as "immature," "soft," and "unprepared." Some fans even advocated for his trade after his comments during the World Series.
2009: Postseason Struggles and Controversial Comments
The 2009 postseason brought challenges for Hamels. Despite the Phillies' series win against the Colorado Rockies, he faced a loss in Game 2 of the National League Division Series. During the World Series against the New York Yankees, he struggled in Game 3, expressing frustration afterwards by saying he "couldn't wait for the season to end." These comments drew criticism, particularly after the Phillies' eventual loss to the Yankees.
2009: Establishment of the Hamels Foundation
In 2009, Cole and Heidi Hamels established the Hamels Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families through education and community support.
2009: Comparing 2008 and 2009 Performances
Comparing Hamels' 2008 and 2009 seasons reveals that his performance remained consistent across key metrics. His strikeout-to-walk ratios and home runs allowed per nine innings were very similar, implying that luck may have been a bigger factor than any significant decline in his pitching abilities.
2009: New Contract and Opening Day Starter
Cole Hamels started the 2009 season by signing a three-year contract with the Phillies for $20.5 million. The team's confidence in him was apparent when manager Charlie Manuel named him the Opening Day starter on the first day of spring training.
2009: Difficult Season and Statistical Decline
Cole Hamels faced challenges and a dip in his performance during the 2009 season.
2009: Continued Use of the Two-Seam Fastball
Cole Hamels continued to experiment with the two-seam fastball in 2009.
December 15, 2010: Forming a Legendary Pitching Rotation
On December 15, 2010, Cliff Lee's return to the Phillies created one of the most formidable pitching rotations in baseball history. The quartet of Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamels, dubbed the "Phantastic Phour," generated significant excitement and high expectations for the team's success.
2010: Debut of the Cutter
Cole Hamels introduced a new pitch, a cutter, to his arsenal in 2010, marking a significant development in his pitching style.
2010: Partial Rebound from Previous Season
Cole Hamels showed some improvement in 2010, though his performance hadn't fully recovered to its previous peak.
2010: Notable Achievements and Consistent Performance
During the 2010 season, despite the Phillies trading for Roy Halladay, Hamels remained a strong presence on the mound. He achieved a remarkable 6+1⁄3 innings of no-hit baseball against the San Diego Padres in June. Furthermore, from late August to mid-September, he secured five consecutive wins, including three consecutive scoreless starts. He also matched his second-highest career strikeout total with 13 strikeouts against the Florida Marlins on September 13.
2010: Redemption and Proving Doubters Wrong
In 2010, Hamels silenced his doubters with a remarkable turnaround. He appeared to have rediscovered his form, showcasing improved performance and a renewed focus. This shift led to speculation that he had either made significant adjustments or simply matured as a player.
2011: All-Star Selection and Disputed Rule
Hamels' strong start to the 2011 season earned him a spot on the National League All-Star team. However, a rule prohibiting pitchers who pitched on the Sunday before the game prevented him from playing. Hamels expressed his disagreement with this rule, highlighting a disconnect between those who create the rules and the players who compete.
2011: Career Highs and Accolades
In 2011, Cole Hamels achieved career highs in wins (17) and strikeouts (216). He also finished eighth in the NL Cy Young Award voting and achieved the second-best ERA of his career at 2.79. His performance earned him the "Steve Carlton Most Valuable Pitcher" award from the Philadelphia chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America.
2011: Phillies Secure Best Record but Face Playoff Defeat
The 2011 Phillies secured the best record in MLB for the second consecutive year. However, their playoff run ended in disappointment with a loss to the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Division Series. Despite Hamels securing a win in Game 3, the team couldn't overcome the Cardinals, leading to their elimination.
2011: Strong Season Performance and Cy Young Award Nomination
Hamels concluded the 2011 season with impressive stats: a 14-9 record, 194 strikeouts, a 2.79 ERA, and a 0.986 WHIP. His performance earned him a fifth-place finish in the Cy Young Award voting.
2011: Increased Groundball Rate with the Cutter
By 2011, Cole Hamels had mastered his cutter to the point where it significantly increased his groundball rate, a testament to its effectiveness.
2011: Undergoing Elbow and Hernia Surgeries
During the 2011 offseason, Hamels had to address lingering physical issues. He underwent both elbow and hernia surgeries to address a stiff shoulder and loose bodies that had affected him in August. He recovered in time for spring training in 2012.
July 21, 2012: Suspension and Uncommon Home Run Exchange
In an unusual turn of events on July 21, 2012, Hamels hit his first career home run off San Francisco Giants pitcher Matt Cain. This came in the same inning after Cain hit a home run off Hamels, marking a rare instance in MLB history where two pitchers exchanged home runs in the same inning.
2012: Recovering from Surgeries and Preparing for New Season
By the start of spring training in 2012, Hamels had recovered from his elbow and hernia surgeries. This allowed him to fully participate in preparations for the upcoming season.
2012: Hamels' Changeup Ranked Among the Best
In 2012, Fangraphs, a prominent baseball statistics website, recognized the exceptional quality of Cole Hamels' changeup, ranking it as the fourth best in the league.
2013: Strong Performance Despite Lack of Run Support
Cole Hamels pitched well in 2013 but received limited offensive support from his team.
2013: First Career Opening Day Start
Cole Hamels was named the 2013 opening day starter for the Phillies, a significant achievement in his career. However, in his first opening day start on April 1 against the Atlanta Braves, he had a tough outing, giving up five earned runs in five innings and taking the loss.
2013: Decline in Strikeout Rate
During the 2013 season, Cole Hamels experienced a decline in his strikeout rate. His strikeout rate dropped by 2.6 percent and his overall swinging strike rate also decreased. This meant opposing hitters were making more contact and putting more balls in play.
2014: Sidelined by Tendinitis
Cole Hamels missed the start of the 2014 season due to biceps tendinitis, delaying his first appearance on the mound. He eventually made his season debut on April 23 after a rehab stint.
2014: Construction of Newtown Square Home
In 2014, Cole Hamels and his wife, Heidi Strobel, completed the construction of their dream home in Newtown Square.
July 25, 2015: No-Hitter Against the Chicago Cubs
On July 25, 2015, Cole Hamels etched his name in baseball history by throwing a no-hitter against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. He dominated the Cubs, striking out 13 batters and only allowing two walks. This was the first no-hitter against the Cubs since Sandy Koufax's perfect game in 1965 and the first at Wrigley Field since 1972.
July 31, 2015: Traded to the Texas Rangers
Shortly after his no-hitter, on July 31, 2015, Cole Hamels was traded to the Texas Rangers. This trade marked a significant turning point in his career. He became the first pitcher to be traded during a regular season after throwing a no-hitter in his final start with the team that traded him.
2015: Trade Speculation
At the beginning of the 2015 season, Cole Hamels was the subject of much trade speculation. Several teams, including the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and San Francisco Giants, expressed interest in acquiring him.
2015: Trade to the Texas Rangers
In 2015, Cole Hamels was traded to the Texas Rangers.
2015: Impact on the Rangers and Playoff Run
Cole Hamels made a significant impact after joining the Texas Rangers in 2015. The team, which had been struggling, saw a resurgence with Hamels on the mound. He helped lead them to the American League West division title, clinching it with a complete-game three-hitter against the Los Angeles Angels on the final day of the season.
2015: Trade to the Texas Rangers and AL West Title
After being traded to the Texas Rangers in 2015, Cole Hamels contributed to their AL West title win.
2016: Opening Day Starter, Milestones, and All-Star Selection
Cole Hamels continued his success with the Rangers in 2016. He was named the Opening Day starter and earned the win against the Seattle Mariners. On June 12, he achieved his 2,000th career strikeout, joining an elite group of pitchers. His strong performance throughout the first half of the season earned him a spot on the 2016 MLB All-Star Game roster. He also recorded his 200th strikeout of the season on September 28.
2016: Successful Season with the Rangers
Cole Hamels had a successful season with the Rangers in 2016. He finished with a 15-5 record and a 3.32 ERA in 32 starts. Hamels also led all major league pitchers in the percentage of balls pulled against him.
May 3, 2017: Sidelined by Oblique Injury
In 2017, Cole Hamels faced a setback when he was placed on the disabled list due to a strained right oblique muscle, which sidelined him for eight weeks. This injury impacted his performance for the season.
2017: Donation of Missouri Mansion to Camp Barnabas
In a remarkable act of generosity in 2017, Cole Hamels and Heidi Strobel donated their sprawling 32,000-square-foot Missouri mansion, estimated to be worth $10 million, to Camp Barnabas. This Christian charity provides camps and programs for children with special needs and chronic illnesses.
July 27, 2018: Traded to the Chicago Cubs
On July 27, 2018, Cole Hamels was traded to the Chicago Cubs. He made his Cubs debut on August 1, delivering a strong performance with nine strikeouts and only one unearned run in five innings, earning the win. He continued to excel with the Cubs, throwing a complete game against the Cincinnati Reds on August 23, allowing just one run. His first five starts with the Cubs were impressive, going 4–0 with a 0.79 ERA.
2018: Leading the League in Hit Batsmen
In 2018, despite a respectable 3.78 ERA, Cole Hamels led the major leagues in hit batsmen. While his overall performance was solid, this statistic suggests some struggles with control during the season.
2018: Relief Appearance in Wild Card Game
Cole Hamels pitched in relief for the Cubs in their 2018 Wild Card game against the Colorado Rockies, delivering two scoreless innings despite allowing a few base runners.
2018: Reflecting on the 2009 World Series
In 2018, Hamels humorously remarked about his performance in the 2009 World Series, suggesting New York Yankee fans should appreciate his contribution to their victory. This lighthearted take on his past struggles demonstrated a degree of self-awareness and growth.
2018: Trade to the Chicago Cubs
Cole Hamels was traded to the Chicago Cubs in 2018.
2018: Trade to the Chicago Cubs
Cole Hamels was traded to the Chicago Cubs in 2018.
December 4, 2019: Signing with the Atlanta Braves
On December 4, 2019, Cole Hamels signed a one-year, $18 million contract with the Atlanta Braves, marking a new chapter in his career.
2019: Solid Season with the Cubs
Cole Hamels had a respectable 2019 season with the Cubs, finishing with a 7-7 record and a 3.81 ERA over 27 starts.
2019: End of Tenure with the Chicago Cubs
Cole Hamels's time with the Chicago Cubs ended in 2019.
2019: Securing a Lucrative Contract Extension
Hamels' future with the Phillies was secured when he signed a six-year contract extension worth $144 million. This agreement, reached on July 24, marked the second-largest contract signed by a pitcher at that time, signaling the Phillies' strong belief in his value to the team. The deal also included a vesting option for 2019 worth $24 million.
2020: Shoulder Injury and Delayed Season
Cole Hamels suffered a shoulder injury during spring training in 2020, jeopardizing his availability for the start of the season. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a delay to the start of the regular season, providing him with additional time to recover.
2020: Brief Stint with the Atlanta Braves and Season Shutdown
Cole Hamels pitched for the Atlanta Braves in 2020 but was shut down after a short period.
2020: Limited Appearances Due to Injury
Cole Hamels made only one start in the shortened 2020 season due to his shoulder injury. He pitched against the Baltimore Orioles on September 16, giving up three earned runs in 3+1⁄3 innings.
2020: Limited Playing Time and Season Shutdown
Cole Hamels had limited playing time in 2020 and the season was cut short.
August 4, 2021: Signing and Injury with the Dodgers
On August 4, 2021, Cole Hamels signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers with the hope of a late-season comeback. However, he experienced arm pain during a simulated game and was placed on the injured list, ending his season prematurely.
2021: Listing of Newtown Square Home for Sale
Cole Hamels and Heidi Strobel decided to put their Newtown Square home up for sale in 2021.
2021: Hamels Foundation Renamed Uplift Malawi
Following Cole Hamels' resignation from the organization in 2021, the Hamels Foundation underwent a significant transformation, changing its name to "Uplift Malawi" and adopting a renewed focus on constructing sustainable schools in Malawi.
February 16, 2023: Attempt to Comeback with the Padres
Cole Hamels attempted another comeback in 2023, signing a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres. Despite his intentions to work his way back to the majors, he experienced shoulder inflammation during workouts, leading to the end of his comeback attempt.
August 4, 2023: Retirement from Professional Baseball
Cole Hamels formally announced his retirement from professional baseball on August 4, 2023.
2023: Retirement Announcement
Cole Hamels announced his retirement from professional baseball in 2023.
June 21, 2024: Retirement Ceremony with the Phillies
On June 21, 2024, the Phillies held a special pregame ceremony to honor Cole Hamels and officially mark his retirement as a member of the team.
2024: Divorce from Heidi Strobel
Cole Hamels and Heidi Strobel officially divorced in 2024.