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Phillies Fans Weren’t Happy When A New Player Took Cole Hamels’ #35

Philadelphia Phillies' Cole Hamels pitches in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 1-0. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

It doesn’t take much for Philly sports fans to be up in arms, and this week, it was a slight to former pitcher Cole Hamels that had them fired up.

Despite his spot in Phillies history, it was announced yesterday that newly-acquired Oscar Mercado would be wearing #35, which was last worn by Hamels.

Fans Were immediately outraged that someone was taking Cole Hamels’ number.

Cole Hamels has been out for a while with an injury, but the veteran left-hander has not yet retired.

Per NY Post’s Jon Heyman:

“Cole Hamels has decided to take his time with his comeback plans and try next spring rather than rush things. He called off a comeback a year ago when he experienced a setback after signing with the Dodgers. Hamels, 38, has thrown just 3 ¹/₃ innings since 2019 but is a career 163-game winner.”

Maybe Cole Hamels will have his jersey number retired by the Phillies someday. But perhaps he’ll still retire with the team before it’s said and done.


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