One of the best parts about spring training starting is seeing the team back at work, the sounds of the game, and one of the more undervalued stories is bringing back the former players and coaches to work with the team as guest instructors. This reminds us fans of the relationships and the love these players have for this great organization in always coming back.
Every year, the traditional instructors of Larry Bowa and Charlie Manuel come back. This year the Phillies had the luxury of bringing in Cole Hamels, and the first day of seeing him back in the red and blue colors was exciting.
Look who's here! pic.twitter.com/19tFFs4W5B
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) February 12, 2025
The former Phillies left-handed pitcher and World Series MVP will be more involved this season with the club. Starting with spring training, Hamels was a guest instructor for the ball club and worked with the veteran arms but more importantly, seeing Hamels work with top prospect Andrew Painter is just as exciting as seeing him back in the red and blue.
Hamels, in addition to being with the club this spring, is signed on to be a part-time Phillies broadcaster, joining the NBC Sports Philadelphia team of play-by-play analyst Tom McCarthy along with color commentators Ruben Amaro Jr., Ben Davis, John Kruk and Mike Schmidt. He is expected to announce one home game per month and some pre- and post-game shows.
Phillies great Cole Hamels has a lot of experience to offer
The 2008 World Series MVP has continued to be part of the club since leaving. The Phillies' 2002 first-round pick spent 15 years in the big leagues, 10 of those with the Phillies helping the team win the club's first World Series since 1980. Hamels officially retired with the Phillies in 2024 and was around the club in 2022. After the Phillies, he spent four years with the Texas Rangers, two with the Chicago Cubs and one with the Atlanta Braves.
He finished his career as a four-time All-Star, 2008 World Series champion and World Series and NLCS MVP. His final record was 163-122 with a 3.43 ERA and 2,560 strikeouts. Hamels also had the career achievement of throwing a no-hitter against the Cubs.
Hamels has plenty to offer this Phillies ball club in spring training. He was developed through the Phillies farm system. He will be able to help new pitcher Jesús Luzardo develop with his new team as the Phillies look to push him to the next level, the young prospects in Painter and Mick Abel helping them learn.
Painter learning the Hamels changeup?
— Jack Fritz (@JackFritzWIP) February 18, 2025
You had a good run, @MLB. pic.twitter.com/nzcx3YAobO
As the Phillies get set for the 2025 season, this is a very exciting time to be a Phillies fan as the organization brings back the legend to help go through spring ball and into the season. Having his presence around the team could help take the team to the next step learning from one of the organization's great players.
All the spring content already has great feelings in the air, bringing excitement for Opening Day baseball.