The Philadelphia Phillies have had some legendary pitchers in their storied history. This week, one of their role players is going above and beyond to show respect to a franchise great.
On Friday, the Phillies are holding a retirement ceremony for 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels, who officially stepped away from baseball in 2023 after an attempted comeback with the San Diego Padres.
According to PHLY Sports reporter Jim Salisbury, the Phillies are not retiring Hamels' No. 35 as part of the ceremony. But outfielder David Dahl is taking it upon himself to make sure Hamels' jersey stays out of circulation.
Dahl, who has played in 10 games for the Phillies this season after earning a call-up from Triple-A, was wearing No. 35. But he stepped up on his own and asked to switch, out of respect for his personal friend.
Dahl and Hamels spent part of 2023 rehabbing together with the Padres, for whom the former played four games last season. Dahl will now wear No. 31, last donned by Craig Kimbrel in 2023.
The Phillies last retired a jersey number in 2021, when they honored the late Roy Halladay by retiring his No. 34. Hamels could still be in the running to secure such an honor, especially if he eventually gets voted into the Hall of Fame.
Hamels played 15 years in MLB, racking up 59.0 WAR, four All-Star appearances and 2506 strikeouts. He becomes eligible for the Hall in 2026. But before that, he'll have his moment in the sun at Citizens Bank Park on Friday night.
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