Cole Hamels’ retirement ceremony guest list is missing some surprising names

The last remaining member of the 2008 World Series champion Phillies has called it a career after 15 years in the big leagues.

The Philadelphia Phillies will celebrate Cole Hamels as one of the best pitchers in franchise history before the start of Friday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Festivities will begin around 6:25 p.m. ET.

Guests in attendance for the ceremony will include Jamie Moyer, Roy Oswalt, Joe Blanton, Tom Gordon, Carlos Ruiz, Charlie Manual and Rich Dubee. Phillies managing partner John Middleton and Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt will also give a special presentation during the ceremony.

Cole Hamels’ retirement ceremony guest list is missing some surprising names

Surprisingly, there are some names that seem to be missing from the retirement ceremony guest list. No Cliff Lee, Ryan Howard, Brad Lidge, Shane Victorino or Ryan Madson — all players who shared a large part of Hamels’ career and played a large part in the successful Phillies teams. There could be legitimate reasons for missing attendees for the ceremony, but it is definitely interesting to see what names will share the field one last time with the Phillies’ old left-hander.

In addition to the ceremony commemorating Hamels’ achievements, players will wear a patch on their jerseys during the game and have the bases decorated for the occasion. Fans ages 15 and up will also receive a 2009 National League Champions replica ring. Hamels-specific memorabilia will be sold at the Phillies New Era Team Store.

It was also announced that Phillies outfielder David Dahl will be changing his number from 35 to 31 out of respect for Hamels, even though the number 35 is not being retired.

Hamels was a three-time NL All-Star (2007, 2011 and 2012) while he was a member of the Phillies from 2006 to 2015. Most notably, Hamels was the 2008 World Series MVP and 2008 NLCS MVP as the Phillies celebrated only their second title in franchise history.

Over his 10 seasons pitching for the Phillies, Hamels ranks third in franchise history in strikeouts (1,844), sixth in wins (114), fourth in games started (294) and sixth in innings pitched (1,930).

Hamels was among the greatest pitchers in Phillies franchise history and deserves to be remembered by the players who know him best. The fans are anticipating a fun night at Citizens Bank Park with a proper sendoff of one of their own.