Cole Hamels: "I’ve always wanted to play in my hometown...and win a World Series in my hometown"
Cole Hamels has come full circle since signing for his hometown club, the San Diego Padres. A Hollywood script writer could not have put together a more fitting final chapter for his storied career.
The San Diego native will return to Southern California in 2023, where he hopes to make an impact with the Padres. The two parties agreed to a minor league contract, and Hamels will earn $2 million if he plays in the majors.
The veteran starter is excited about having another opportunity in the majors:
"I’ve always wanted to play in my hometown, wear that Padre uniform and win a World Series in my hometown."
Per a recent article in USA Today, Hamels stated that he was focused on working his way back up to the majors and hopefully winning another World Series title.
"That’s always been my goal, trying to win a championship, but to do it in a city I grew up in would be the best thing ever," added Hamels.
The opportunity to join the star-studded Padres team was something Hamels could not pass on. He attended Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego and grew up a die-hard Padres fan.
Cole Hamels is here! https://t.co/jtR8F0jv5E
"Cole Hamels is here!" - 97.3 The Fan
The franchise is still in search of their first-ever championship since their inception in 1969. The Padres reached the World Series in 1984 and 1998 but lost on both occasions.
Cole Hamels will look to make a comeback with the Padres after missing out on the 2021 and 2022 seasons
Cole Hamels made a name for himself with the Philadelphia Phillies between 2006-2015. Hamels was part of the team that won the 2008 championship team that defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in five games.
This will be the 39-year-old's fifth MLB team. He previously played for the Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves.
"This is special, to walk into this clubhouse...growing up as a kid to put a jersey on with San Diego #padres. To see guys I grew up idolizing like Hoffman, and played with Tony Gwynn Jr. all through little league and High School." -Cole Hamels on being back in his hometown https://t.co/TBxL04pBKB
"This is special, to walk into this clubhouse...growing up as a kid to put a jersey on with San Diego #padres. To see guys I grew up idolizing like Hoffman, and played with Tony Gwynn Jr. all through little league and High School." - Cole Hamels on being back in his hometown" - Allison Edmonds
It has been a rough few years for Hamels. A shoulder injury put a stop to a return to the majors in 2021. He last pitched for the Atlanta Braves on September 16, 2020. Overall, he has pitched just 3.1 innings over the previous three seasons.
Cole Hamels is an experienced veteran who was one of MLB's elite pitchers during his heyday. He is a four-time All-Star, a World Series champion and has a no-hitter to his name. His experience could be critical during the final stages of the season.