Cole Hamels Makes Broadcasting Debut with Phillies This Sunday

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Cole Hamels, the 2008 World Series MVP, will make his broadcasting debut when he calls the Philadelphia Phillies‘ game against the Miami Marlins this Sunday at Citizens Bank Park. The California native, who spent a decade as a pitcher for the Phillies, is now transitioning into a broadcasting role with NBC Sports Philadelphia.

This new venture comes after Hamels concluded his playing career in 2020 with the Atlanta Braves. With a desire to stay connected to the game, he has opted to pursue announcing, a path taken by several former players like John Kruk and Jimmy Rollins. “You always have to try things,” Hamels told The Inquirer. “And sometimes when you test things out, or you put yourself in uncomfortable situations, good things can happen.”

Hamels is set to call about one game each month alongside play-by-play announcer Tom McCarthy and a mix of analysts, including Kruk, Ben Davis, and Ruben Amaro Jr. This arrangement will see him fill in for Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt when needed.

Hamels reflects on his history with Amaro, who was involved with the team during two pivotal stages of his career. “I got to pitch in the postseason two more years,” Hamels said humorously. “I really have to thank him because he gave me the opportunity to continue to try and go out and win, which is what I really wanted to do.”

In addition to his broadcasting duties, Hamels is serving as a special advisor for the Phillies, mentoring pitchers and staying in the dugout to maintain his connection with the team. He believes that being close to the action will help enhance his commentary. “I’ll have a better feel for what’s going on in the game,” he explained. “Hopefully, I can present that to fans.”

Prior to his debut, Hamels participated in two spring training games, where he learned the challenge of navigating rosters filled with new players. “I was lost,” he joked. “Some of these guys just got drafted, so you’re Google searching a lot of information quickly.” Tom McCarthy praised Hamels’s performance: “He brought a lot of good topics to the table, and he had a really good feel by the second day.”

As he prepares for his first official regular-season game, Hamels is focused on having fun and taking advice from McCarthy, particularly about handling moments of silence and adjusting to the pitch clock. “I’ll be very careful about the amount of four-letter words I use,” he said lightheartedly. “You can’t bring the clubhouse talk up to the booth.”

The series against the Marlins begins Sunday at 1:35 p.m., leading the Phillies into upcoming matchups against the New York Mets and other teams, heightening the anticipation for Hamels’s debut in this new role.