On March 17, 2009, news agencies reported that Hamels will likely not be the starting pitcher on opening day for the Phillies. Hamels is recovering from elbow pain and inflammation in his left elbow. But the injury is not considered serious. He will be put on a throwing plan and then will be re-evaluated.ESPN.com: Phils to put Hamels on throwing plan (March 17, 2009)

1. Full name: Colbert Richard Hamels
2. Born: December 27, 1983
3. Birthplace: San Diego, California
4. Height: 6'3"
5. Weight: 190 lbs
6. Position: Pitcher
7. Bats: Left
8. Throws: Left
9. High school: Rancho Bernardo High School
10. Draft year: 2002

On December 11, 2008, Hamels made headlines for making controversial statements about the Phillies National League east rival New York Mets. The statements were made at a New York sports radio station.

Hamels stated, Last year and this year I think we did believe that. Three years ago we didn't because they smoked everybody, and I think we all thought they were going to win it all. Unfortunately that didn't happen. But, yeah, that's kind of what we believed and I think we're always going to believe that until they prove us wrong. For the past two years they've been choke artists.ESPN.com: Hamels: Mets have been choke artists(December 11, 2008)

On January 17, 2009 the Philadelphia Phillies announced that they have avoided salary arbitration with Cole Hamels and have signed him to a three-year deal worth $20.5 million dollars. In 2008, Hamels went 14-10 with a 3.09 earned run average for the Phillies. MLB.com: [Phils give Hamels three-year deal] (January 17, 2009)

• December 27, 1983: Born
• 2002: Drafted by Philadelphia Phillies
• 2006: Debuted with Philadelphia Phillies