Cole Hamels’ jab at the Mets fell flatter than his looping curveballs once did.
Hamels, who hasn’t pitched in MLB since 2020, was honored Friday night during a retirement ceremony by the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
The left-hander spent 10 seasons with the Phillies (2006-15) and is the last member of the 2008 World Series championship team to retire.
Despite having plenty of success as a three-time All-Star, a World Series MVP and architect of one of MLB’s best changeups over that first decade of his career, Hamels often struggled against the Mets (9-14, 3.89 ERA during 34 career starts).
He didn’t have any more success Friday telling a joke at the Mets’ expense, even though the Amazin’s were playing 769 miles away at Chicago’s Wrigley Field.
“You believe in us, hence the boos,” Hamels told the Phillies’ home crowd before a loss to the Diamondbacks. “We, as players, completely understand. We didn’t want to fail, but you guys wanted the best for us. And we wanted to give it to you — unless you’re the Mets.”
It’s a bit confusing what Hamels means, though that did not stop the Philadelphia fans from erupting in applause.
The most logical interpretation would be that the Mets don’t mind failing their booing fans.
Hamels was on the Phillies’ pitching staff when the Mets infamously blew back-to-back National League East division titles with September collapses in 2007 and 2008.
The Phillies overcame a seven-game deficit with 17 games remaining in 2007 and a 3.5-game deficit with 16 to play in 2008.
The infamous 2007 turnaround included a three-game sweep by the Phillies.
It ended when the Mets lost and the Phillies won on the final day of the regular season.
Hamels, 40, spent four seasons with the Rangers, two with the Cubs and flamed out with one ugly appearance for the rival Braves in 2020.
He finished 163-122 with a 3.43 ERA in 423 career games.