Former Phillies' Teammate: "Hamels Should be in the Hall of Fame"

Nearly a month ago, four-time All-Star and 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels announced his retirement from Major League Baseball. Now, the conversation begins as to whether or not the Philadelphia Phillies great should be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

There's a compelling case to be made for Hamels, who logged a 59.0 WAR over the course of his illustrious, 15-year career. Hamels, however, never placed higher than fifth in National League Cy Young Award voting, which could be indicative of how he will be viewed by BBWAA voters when his name goes on the ballot.

One longtime teammate of Hamels' feels strongly that the decorated World Series champion belongs in Cooperstown.

"I believe Cole should be in the Hall of Fame," Kyle Kendrick said. "His numbers speak for themselves."

Kendrick pitched for the Phillies from 2007 through 2014. He quietly put together a very nice ten-year career, logging a sub-4.00 ERA in four different seasons, as a valuable member of the Phillies' pitching rotation.

The numbers that Kendrick speaks of? During the ten-year peak of his career, Hamels posted a 127-88 record, 3.26 ERA, 1.156 WHIP, 3.50 FIP and 126 ERA+, while averaging 32 starts and 208 innings pitched per season.

Hamels was also exceptional for the Phillies in the postseason, clocking a 3.09 ERA and 1.059 WHIP over 81.2 innings pitched. His dominance during the Phillies' World Series run in 2008, earned him NCLS and MVP honors, as the Southern California native allowed just seven runs and 23 hits over five starts and 35 innings pitched, good for a 1.80 ERA and 0.914 WHIP.

Kendrick and Hamels go way back. The two pitchers first met in the Instructional League in 2003. Hamels was selected with the Phillies' first round draft pick in 2002; Kendrick was picked in the seventh round of the 2003 Draft.

Kendrick and Hamels came up through the Phillies' farm system together, with Hamels making his Major League debut in 2006 and Kendrick premiering in 2007. They were Major League teammates from 2007 through 2014. There are few people that got as close a look at Hamels' game, when the lefty was at the peak of his powers, than Kendrick did.

"Cole studied hitters, found out their strengths and weaknesses, but also always pitched to his strengths," Kendrick said. "Cole was aggressive on the mound, changed speeds so well and trusted his stuff always. He had one of the best change-ups in the game."

Kendrick spoke glowingly of Hamels as a teammate and friend.

"Cole was a great teammate," Kendrick said. "He was focused, worked hard, always wanted to hang out before and after games, loved talking pitching on the bench. Just a good person."

So what should Cole's legacy be?

"Cole should be remembered as one of the best pitchers of his era, who dominated, loved to compete and was very durable for a long time," Kendrick said. "Cole should be in the Hall of Fame."

Hamels will be eligible for enshrinement to the Hall of Fame in 2026, when he will go on the BBWAA ballot for the first time.

Check out the latest episode of the Jack Vita Show, where we explore and discuss the Hall of Fame candidacy of Cole Hamels in greater detail!