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Cole Hamels to Have #19 Retired By BlueClaws

Star left-hander returns to FirstEnergy Park on June 9th for ceremony
February 10, 2014

LAKEWOOD, NJ - Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels will return to FirstEnergy Park on Monday, June 9th to have his #19 retired by the BlueClaws at the team's 7:05 pm game.

Hamels, who was drafted 17th overall by the Phillies in 2002, made his professional debut with the BlueClaws in 2003. With Lakewood, the southpaw went 6-1 over 13 starts, pitching to a 0.84 ERA (seven earned runs in 74.2 innings pitched), adding 115 strikeouts against 25 walks. (Hamels also made a rehab appearance at FirstEnergy Park on June 1st, 2006, allowing a run in 5.2 innings.)

"Cole is the greatest pitcher that has come through Lakewood and certainly worthy of having his #19 retired by the BlueClaws," said General Manager Brandon Marano. "His level of dominance as a BlueClaw speaks for itself, and we have been thrilled to see him carry his professional success that started here 11 years ago into a tremendous career with the Phillies. We're looking forward to seeing him back in Lakewood in June."

Hamels is the second former player to have his number retired by the BlueClaws, after Ryan Howard's #29 was retired by the team during a Howard rehab appearance in 2010. (Additionally, Jackie Robinson's #42 is retired across baseball, and in honor of long-time South Atlantic League/Western Carolinas League President John Henry Moss, #50 is also retired by all SAL clubs.)

Ticket Information
Tickets are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 2 or online by clicking here.

The June 9th game is presented by Hershey's and all fans will receive Twizzler's as they exit the stadium.

Hamels enters the 2014 season with a record of 99-74 and an ERA of just 3.38. In 2012, he signed a contract extension that will keep him with the Phillies through at least 2018.

He was an integral part of the Phillies winning their 2nd World Series title in 2008. After going 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA over five playoff starts, Hamels was named MVP of both the National League Championship Series win over Los Angeles and the World Series win over Tampa Bay.

Hamels and his wife, Heidi, started The Hamels Foundation in 2008 to support education both locally and in Africa. Additional information can be found at the foundation's website: TheHamelsFoundation.org.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore's top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 13 years of existence.

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