MLB

Cole Hamels’ girlfriend gives inside look at retirement night in Philly

Cole Hamels officially retired as a Phillie on Friday night and the person closest person to him gave fans an inside look of the festivities at the special pregame ceremony.

Hamels’ actress girlfriend, Rebekah Graf, shared various pictures and videos of the day to celebrate the four-time All-Star’s decade with the organization that featured a 2008 World Series win.

Graf posted two photos of her sporting a themed friendship bracelet for the day full of red and white beads, “Hamels” written out, his number 35, and a big bead featuring a photo of Hamels throwing a pitch.

Cole Hamels waves after a ceremony honoring his retirement before the Phillies’ 5-4 loss to the Diamondbacks. AP
Rebekah Graf posted a photo of a Cole Hamels’
bracelet in honor of his retirement ceremony with the
Phillies on Friday. Instagram @rebekahgraf

She also shared a photo of Hamels in the car on the way to the Citizens Bank Park and one of him during an interviewing, smiling.

“Listening to these interviews are making me tear up,” she wrote over the story. “This man and his big heart.”

Graf, who is best known for her portrayal of Heather Locklear in Netflix’s “The Dirt,” also sported baseball themed shoes with the thread on the heel.

Rebekah Graf posted a photo of a Cole Hamels’
bracelet in honor of his retirement ceremony with the
Phillies on Friday. Instagram @rebekahgraf

Her last role, according to IMDb, was in the “The Image of You.”

The couple has been linked since around Hamels’ retirement in August 2023.

Hamels, 40, was previously married to Heidi Strobel, who was on “Survivor: The Amazon” in 2003 and separated in 2021.

Rebekah Graf shared a photo of Cole Hamles prior to
his retirement ceremony. Instagram @rebekahgraf

It’s not clear when the couple parted ways, but they sold their home outside of Philadelphia in Delaware County and Strobel didn’t include the southpaw in any Instagram post since January 2020.

During the pregame ceremony, Hamels had a chance to speak to his loyal Philly fanbase on the mic.

Cole Hamels embraces former catcher Carlos Ruiz after throwing a ceremonial first pitch before the Phillies’ loss to the Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park. Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

“Citizens Bank, this is by far one of the best sports venues to play and to come watch a game,” Hamels said. “It’s because of this atmosphere that players wanna come here, or they wanna get on the bus and get the hell out. … Philly is not for weakness. You definitely learn that. Greatness happens when you work hard and take some really well timed chances.”

With the Phillies, Hamels held a 3.30 ERA and recorded 1,844 strikeouts across 1,930 innings.

Cole Hamels throws out the first pitch after a ceremony where he officially retired with the Phillies. Getty Images

He finished his career with a 163-122 record with a 3.43 ERA.

He last pitched in 2020 in just one game for the Braves.