Cole Hamels's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 19, 2025

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Cole Hamels. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Cole Hamels, nicknamed "Hollywood", is a former MLB pitcher. He played for the Philadelphia Phillies (2006–2015), Texas Rangers (2015–2018), Chicago Cubs (2018–2019), and Atlanta Braves (2020).

Sections (4)

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

1965: Previous No-Hitter

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

1972: Wrigley Field No-Hitter

Cole Hamels pitched the first no-hitter at Wrigley Field on July 25, 2015 since the Cubs' Milt Pappas in 1972.

1977: Blyleven's Last Game

Bert Blyleven had been the last pitcher to pitch a no-hitter in his final start with the team that traded him; after pitching a no-hitter for the Rangers in his final start of the 1977 season, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates that offseason.

1990: MLB First Since 1990

On July 21, 2012, Cole Hamels hit his first career home run off San Francisco Giants pitcher Matt Cain. Cain had homered off Hamels in the top half of the same inning, the first time in MLB since 1990 that two pitchers had hit home runs off of each other in the same inning.

2003: Professional Career Begins

In 2003, Cole Hamels began his professional baseball career, pitching for the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws and later being promoted to the Clearwater Threshers. He received the Paul Owens Award for being the best pitcher in the Phillies' minor league system.

2007: Most Valuable Pitcher

Cole Hamels was awarded Most Valuable Pitcher in 2007.

2007: Phillies' Top Pitcher Award

In the 2007 Major League Baseball season, Cole Hamels won the Phillies' top major league pitcher award.

2008: Most Valuable Pitcher

Cole Hamels was awarded Most Valuable Pitcher in 2008.

2008: World Series Champion and MVP

In 2008, Cole Hamels helped the Phillies win the World Series, starting Games 1 and 5. He was named the 2008 World Series MVP, finishing the postseason with a 4-0 record and a 1.80 ERA.

2008: World Series MVP

In 2008, Cole Hamels won the World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies, earning the World Series Most Valuable Player Award.

2011: "Steve Carlton Most Valuable Pitcher" award.

Cole Hamels finished the season with career highs in wins (17) and strikeouts (216), and finished eighth in the NL Cy Young Award voting. His 3.05 ERA ranked second-best in his career (behind only his 2.79 ERA in 2011). The Philadelphia chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America presented him the "Steve Carlton Most Valuable Pitcher" award.

July 21, 2012: First Career Home Run

July 25, 2015: No-Hitter Against the Cubs

On July 25, 2015, Cole Hamels pitched a no-hitter for the Phillies against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, striking out 13. It was his final start for the Phillies, the first no-hitter against the Cubs since 1965, and first at Wrigley since 1972.

July 31, 2015: Traded to the Texas Rangers

On July 31, 2015, Cole Hamels was traded to the Texas Rangers along with Jake Diekman. Hamels became the first pitcher to be traded during a regular season after pitching a no-hitter in his final start with the team that traded him.

2015: Impact on the Rangers

In 2015 after being traded to the Rangers, Hamels went 7-1 in 12 starts. The Rangers won the AL West due in part to his contribution.

2016: All-Star Season with Rangers

In 2016, Cole Hamels had an All-Star season while playing for the Texas Rangers.

June 21, 2024: Phillies Retirement Ceremony

On June 21, 2024, the Phillies held a pregame ceremony where Cole Hamels officially retired as a member of the team. Phillies outfielder David Dahl changed his number from #35 to #31 out of respect for Hamels.