Even Diamonds Start As Cole: The Genesis of Cole Hamels

How will you remember Cole Hamels in the long run? As the guy who once pleaded with the Phillies' organization for his own chiropractor? Or will you remember Cole Hamels who single handedly mowed down the competition set before him this post season?

Most experts and analysts were hesistant this postseason to crown Cole Hamels as a "big game pitcher." But Hamels may have removed all remaining doubt after pitching seven dominating innings to send his team to the World Series.

In game one against the Brewers, he pitched eight scoreless innings and made the potent Brewers lineup look more like the mid 90's version of the franchise. Hamels only made one appearance in the Division Series, despite many people calling for him to go on three days rest. Hamels took a bit of a pounding for his comments that he didn't feel he would be effective on anything less than his regular fifth day starts.

In the League Championship Series, Cole pitched his way to the Most Valuable Player award with two strong performances. In game one he outdueled Derek Lowe to the tune of 7 innings, 2 earned runs, and 8 strikeouts. Hamels scattered 6 hits during game one while mixing his fastball and his unbelievable changeup. Cole returned on regular rest last night to pitch another seven innings. He gave up one run on a mistake pitch to Manny, while striking out 5 batters. Hamels saw his way out of his only jams by inducing two double play balls to the Dodgers' Blake Dewitt.

Then came about the most drama that Hamels had seen all postseason. With two outs and a runner on third, Jeff Kent stepped to the plate. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel broke from his normal routine and went to the mound for a normal visit. "He told me he still had plenty left in the tank" said Manuel. Cole proved he indeed did with the biggest strikeout of his career. In the process, he cemented himself as a big game pitcher and quieted any and all critics.

Hamels hasn't just started pitching great recently either. "Cole is a guy that sat around and would give up two runs a game and get no-decisions and losses. I'm sure he got frustrated, but he never really got upset," said shortstop Jimmy Rollins. The Phillies got him the run support he needed this postseason though.

"Cole is a big-game guy and he likes the stage," Phillies general manager Pat Gillick said. "He's got the makeup, the disposition, the intensity and the composure. And that's what it's all about. Even if you have the ability, it's also about controlling your emotions. And I think this year he's learned to control his emotion better than he had previously."

Despite what happens from this point on, Hamels has won over the hearts of Phillies fans as well as the respect of those who believed he couldn't take that next big step. He was recognized as such by winning the Most Valuable Player of the National League Championship Series.

"To get an award like this is just something surreal," he said "It takes a whole team to get here. I was able to go out there and play the way I know I'm able to do, but it's because of my teammates. We had some big plays."

And as Cole would be the first to tell you, there are still plenty of big performances yet to come.