Philadelphia still loves Cole Hamels, and the feeling appears to be mutual.
The veteran left-hander pitched Wednesday when his Chicago Cubs visited the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, his first game in Philadelphia since 2015.
During his return, there were several moments of appreciation displayed between the home audience and the 2008 World Series MVP.
Taking the mound for the bottom half of the first inning, the 35-year-old received a roaring standing ovation from the crowd.
Nothing but respect from Philly for Cole Hamels.
— Cubs Talk (@NBCSCubs) August 14, 2019
Stream: https://t.co/yAuWh9mx7h pic.twitter.com/c34mvVCXKf
Hamels, who spent the first 10 years of his career with Philadelphia, also sported a patch on the right arm of his uniform paying tribute to former Phillies executive David Montgomery, who died in May.
Really cool tribute by Cole Hamels. pic.twitter.com/LQskum0C1I
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) August 14, 2019
The brotherly love between Hamels and Philadelphia didn't end after the first inning. When the pitcher stepped to the plate to hit in the third, he was greeted by another standing ovation louder than the first.
@ColeHamels gets a standing ovation from @Phillies fans before his first at-bat back in Philly. 👏#Phillies #ColeHamels #MLB #RingTheBell #PhilliesNation pic.twitter.com/fILJb8I36F
— A2D Radio (@a2dradio_com) August 15, 2019
Hamels' return to Philly wasn't as joyful from a statistical standpoint, however. The veteran pitcher allowed eight earned runs on nine hits across two innings in his worst outing of the season.
