Cole Hamels: Phillies Star Suspended 5 Games for Bryce Harper Plunk

Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels will be on the pine for five games after he admitted to intentionally hitting Washington Nationals phenom Bryce Harper. 

This infraction will also cost him an undisclosed amount of cash. Jeff Skversky of WPVI-TV in Philadelphia reports via Twitter:

"

Cole Hamels gets five-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for intentionally throwing a pitch at Bryce Harper last night

— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) May 7, 2012"

In the first inning of the Sunday game between the Phillies and Nationals, Cole Hamels decided to welcome Harper to the big leagues by drilling him in the back with a 93 mph fastball. 

After the game, Hamels openly admitted that he was trying to hit him. He said it was all in an effort to bring a little old-school feel back to the game. 

As you can imagine, this reaction caused quite a stir. In this age of enhanced player safety running rampant in professional sports, there was reason to think that Hamels may draw a severe suspension. Five games is not severe by any means. 

In fact, according to Matt Gelb—who covers the Phillies for the Philly Inquirer—the suspension might not even cause Hamels to miss a start. 

"

Hamels will begin serving it tonight. He could pitch Sunday with Halladay on Saturday. Not decided yet.

— Matt Gelb (@magelb) May 7, 2012"

It will be interesting to see how this goes over with the public, as well as what happens the next time Hamels goes up against the Nationals.