Cole Hamels officially retired from the Phillies on Friday night, and those closest to him gave fans an inside look at the celebration during a special pregame ceremony.
Hamels’ girlfriend, actress Rebecca Graf, shared a variety of photos and videos from the day to celebrate the four-time All-Star’s 10 years with the team, which won the 2008 World Series.
Graf posted two photos of himself wearing a day-themed friendship bracelet filled with red and white beads, including the word “Hammels,” his uniform number 35, and a large bead with a picture of Hamels pitching.
Retirement ceremony commemorative bracelet
Phillies on Friday. Instagram @rebekahgraf
She also shared a photo of Hamels in a car on the way to Citizens Bank Park, as well as another of him smiling during the interview.
“Listening to these interviews brings me to tears,” she wrote in the post. “I love this man and his big heart.”
Graf, known for playing Heather Locklear in the Netflix series “The Dirt,” also wore baseball-themed shoes with thread in the heel.
Retirement ceremony commemorative bracelet
Phillies on Friday. Instagram @rebekahgraf
Her last role was in “The Image of You,” according to IMDb.
Rumors of the two dating had been circulating since Hamels’ planned retirement in August 2023.
Hamels, 40, was previously married to Heidi Strobel, who appeared on “Survivor: Amazon,” in 2003, but the couple separated in 2021.
his retirement ceremony. Instagram @rebekahgraf
It’s not clear when the pair split, but they have sold their home in Delaware County, just outside Philadelphia, and Strobel hasn’t featured the southpaw in an Instagram post since January 2020.
During the pregame ceremony, Hamels took the opportunity to address the loyal Philadelphia fans on the microphone.
“Citizens Bank is hands down one of the best sports venues to play or watch a game,” Hamels said, “and the reason players want to come here or get on the bus and leave is because of the atmosphere. … Philadelphia is not a place for wimps. It definitely wears on you. Greatness comes when you work hard and get your chance at the right time.”
With the Phillies, Hamels posted a 3.30 ERA and 1,844 strikeouts in 1,930 innings.
He finished his career with a record of 163-122 with a 3.43 ERA.
He last pitched in one game in 2020 with the Braves.
