cole hamels q & a

• What is your top pitch speed?
• What do you like to do in your off time?
• What inspired you to play baseball?
• What's your favorite movie?
• What was the biggest challenge for you when joining major league baseball?
• What was your first job?
• How do I learn more about becoming a better pitcher?
• How can I get an autographed baseball (or other item)?
• How can I schedule you for a public appearance or speaking engagement?
• How can I get more involved with your foundation?
• How old were you when you started playing baseball?
• What type of glove do you use?
• How can I learn more about The Hamels Foundation?
• How can I learn more about your pitching clinics?

• What is your top pitch speed?

  97 MPH in July of 2010 against the St. Louis Cardinals.

• What do you like to do in your off time?

  I like to golf, watch movies, read fantasy novels, and travel the world.

• What inspired you to play baseball?

  Growing up, I always wanted to play catch with my dad and that is how I got interested in playing baseball and improving my skills.

• What's your favorite movie?

  My favorite movie is the Lord of the Rings.

• What was the biggest challenge for you when joining major league baseball?

  Being responsible for all of my actions on and off the field.

• What was your first job?

  I used to referee soccer games and umpire little league baseball games. I was drafted by the Phillies during high school so I haven’t had another job since.

• How do I learn more about becoming a better pitcher?

  I would suggest reading baseball books, watching baseball games, taking lessons or going to baseball camps. I actually host a baseball pitching clinic in Pennsylvania and you can sign up for this clinic on my foundation's website: www.thehamelsfoundation.org

• How can I get an autographed baseball (or other item)?

  You can attend baseball games, an autograph signing that I am doing, or purchase one off of my foundation's website: www.thehamelsfoundation.org. All proceeds go to charity.

• How can I schedule you for a public appearance or speaking engagement?

  Please contact my agent John Boggs. You can find his information and contact him from the Guest Appearances page.

• How can I get more involved with your foundation?

  If you are in the Missouri area, please contact Kathy Dugas at kjdugas@thehamelsfoundation.org and/or if you are in the Pennsylvania area please contact GN Kang at gn@thehamelsfoundation.org.

• How old were you when you started playing baseball?

  4 years old.

• What type of glove do you use?

  I use a Louisville Slugger and on average I go through 2 gloves a year.

• How can I learn more about The Hamels Foundation?

  Please visit my foundation's website at www.thehamelsfoundation.org.

• How can I learn more about your pitching clinics?

  Please go to my foundation's website at www.thehamelsfoundation.org and click on the "events" menu item. From there, you will find information about the pitching clinic and associated details.