Cole Hamels: From the Mound to the Broadcast Booth and Beyond
A familiar face is returning to NBC Sports Philadelphia for the Phillies’ games. World Series MVP Cole Hamels, affectionately known as “Hollywood” by his former teammates, is back for his second season as a game analyst, beginning with the Sunday matchup against the Texas Rangers (1:35 p.m., NBC Sports Philadelphia). Hamels is slated to call six to eight Phillies games this season.
Hamels will once again join John Kruk and play-by-play announcer Tom McCarthy, the latter of whom Hamels credits with providing a valuable “crash course” in broadcasting last year. “From the start of the season to the end, I felt like I got a bit more comfortable,” Hamels shared. “But I know I have so much to learn.”
Filling the Void Left by a Legend
With Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt stepping down after 12 years, there’s an opportunity for Hamels to potentially expand his role. However, Hamels prioritizes spending time with his three daughters. Alexandra Matcham, Vice President of Content for NBC Sports Philadelphia, praised Hamels’ rapid development in the booth, stating, “Certainly, we would love to have him every weekend.” She also noted, “No one can replace Mike Schmidt. It would be unfair to even ask, and they’re both phenomenal in their own ways.”
A Natural in the Booth
Interestingly, Hamels excelled in his broadcasting debut by exercising restraint. In a three-person booth, it’s easy to overtalk, especially with a personality like Kruk known for his captivating stories. Hamels strategically offered analysis when appropriate, otherwise absorbing the nuances of the game. “I think it’s just naturally who I am,” Hamels explained. “I’ve always been really good at reading people and reading a room… It felt natural, and I think that’s what I really enjoyed.” He even jokingly admitted to needing a “mute button” for Kruk’s more colorful anecdotes.
Learning from the Best
Hamels spent the offseason studying other baseball broadcasts, identifying what resonated with him and what didn’t. He particularly admires TNT analyst Jeff Francoeur, and the dynamic booth of Chipper Jones, Francoeur, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine.
Navigating the New Era of Baseball
One challenge Hamels and other broadcasters face is the implementation of the automated ball-strike system, or “robot umpires.” MLB has banned broadcasts from displaying the strike zone to avoid influencing players. Hamels experienced a similar system during a trip to South Korea with Adrian Beltre, where robot umpires have been in use for three seasons. “They actually have a computer that calls the balls and strikes, and the umpires are just there to tell everybody what it is. It’s wild,” Hamels said. “I hope MLB doesn’t ever go there.”
Beyond the Broadcast: A Special Advisor
Hamels’ involvement with the Phillies extends beyond the broadcast booth. He continues to serve as a special advisor, mentoring young players like rookie Andrew Painter. He prefers to work through the coaching staff, offering insights on pitching mechanics and development. “They want me to watch pitchers more,” Hamels said. “They want me to see what I can notice with minor league guys, what they might need to work on in order to get to the next level.”
A Full-Circle Moment
While broadcasting wasn’t a lifelong ambition, Hamels feels a profound connection to the role, having grown up listening to the legendary Harry Kalas call Phillies games. “I admired Harry, and it’s just surreal that I’ve been lucky enough to be in the same booth in a similar fashion,” Hamels said. “Just not at his level.”
Phillies Broadcasts Remain a Hit
Phillies broadcasts on NBC10 and NBC Sports Philadelphia continue to draw significant viewership. Last season, they averaged 324,000 viewers per game, making them the most-watched MLB broadcasts. While slightly down from 2023’s average of 369,000, viewership remains significantly higher than the 279,000 average in 2022. Read more at The Philadelphia Inquirer.
