Cole Hamels retires from baseball
Cole Hamels is calling it quits. The 2008 World Series winner with the Phillies is hanging up his cleats with a very respectable resume.
As a starting pitcher, Hamels was a four-time All Star and the MVP for both the NLCS and World Series. He might fall short of the Hall of Fame, but the former Philly, Ranger, Cub and Brave has accomplished a whole lot in MLB. In particular, his prime years in Philadelphia are quite impressive.
From 2006-14, he compiled a 108-83 record with over 1,700 strikeouts and a 1.142 WHIP. Before being dealt to the Rangers in 2015 he notably denied the Astros any chance of acquiring his services. Mind you, this is before their cheating scandal, so he potentially missed out on a rollercoaster of emotions.
Along with four All-Star appearances, he also finished in the top-10 of Cy Young voting on four different occasions. He most recently played with the Braves in 2020 before unsuccessfully trying to return to the MLB over the past few years. The San Diego native was playing in the Padres minor-league system but was put on the 60-day injured list.
Bound For The Hall?
Hamels was expected to have a fruitful career after being drafted in the first round (17th overall) of the 2002 Draft. The 39-year-old retires with a record of 163-122 over 15 years. He holds a career 3.43 ERA and 2,560 strikeouts in 2,698 innings pitched. Had he maybe won one more World Series or a Cy Young I think he would definitely make his way into Cooperstown. However, I’m just not sure if his accomplishments are enough. But this will not be a post to split hairs.
Congratulations to Cole Hamels on a very good and very long career. Best wishes on whatever comes next after baseball!
