Cole Hamels starting for BlueClaws on Thursday
Published on May 30, 2006 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release
LAKEWOOD, N.J. - Cole Hamels will take the mound for the BlueClaws for the first time since the 2003 season when he makes his rehab start Thursday night against the Hickory Crawdads. Hamels was called up to the Philadelphia Phillies earlier this year and made two starts before going on the disabled list last week.
"We are ecstatic to have Cole come back to," said BlueClaws General Manager, Geoff Brown. "I'm excited for our fans that get to see one their favorite players back in a BlueClaws uniform."
Hamels has been plagued by injuries over the last two seasons in the Minor Leagues. While playing catch in the outfield of Shea Stadium before a game with the New York Mets on May 23, Hamels felt a pop in his throwing shoulder. Due to arm, hand and back injuries, Hamels made only ten combined starts over the last two seasons. His last full season of healthy playing time came in 2003 when he made 13 starts for Lakewood and went on to Clearwater in High-A ball for four more starts.
Hamels threw two simulated innings on Monday from the mound at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The southpaw was able to throw 30 pitches at 100 percent and his shoulder gave him no problems.
Hamels dominated on the mound during his time with the BlueClaws. Opponents hit only .136 against the left-hander earning him a 0.84 earned run average, second best all-time for the BlueClaws. In his 13 starts, Hamels allowed only 32 hits, 8 runs and struck out an average of 13.86 batters per nine innings; all Lakewood bests. In fact, of any other pitcher that worked as many innings, Hamels allowed nearly half the hits of the next closest pitcher.
The first pitch for Thursday's game is scheduled for 7:05 at FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood. The Hickory Crawdads will be in Lakewood to start an eight game home stand for the BlueClaws that will also feature the Delmarva Shorebirds. The first 2,000 fans ages 18 and older to enter the gates Thursday night will receive beach bags courtesy of Kimball Medical Center. All games can be heard on the Shore Sports Network, 1160 WOBM-AM and WADB 1310-AM, and online at BlueClaws.com.
In 2005, the Lakewood BlueClaws were the recipients of Baseball America's Bob Freitas award for overall excellence in Minor League Baseball. The BlueClaws have led the league in attendance every year, topping out at 444,607 in 2005 and became the fastest team in South Atlantic League history to reach the 2 million fan attendance mark. For tickets or more information call 732-901-7000 or visit the BlueClaws website at blueclaws.com.
South Atlantic League Stories from May 30, 2006
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- Suns fall 7-6 in eleventh against Crawdads - Hagerstown Suns
- Power score six in the seventh to beat Lakewood - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Gnats swat Dogs back to Charleston - Savannah Sand Gnats
- âDads sweep Suns with runs in ninth and eleventh - Hickory Crawdads
- Roche's single give Hoppers win in 10 - Greensboro Grasshoppers
- Captains fall to Grasshoppers, 2-1, in extras - Lake County Captains
- RiverDogs return home Wednesday - Charleston RiverDogs
- Cole Hamels starting for BlueClaws on Thursday - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Drew Locke Earns BC Powder SAL Hitter of the Week - Columbus Catfish
- Sand Gnats to celebrate Cancer Survivors Sunday - Savannah Sand Gnats
- Crawdads top Suns, 6-2 - Hagerstown Suns
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