Cole Hamels, a former American professional baseball pitcher, is enjoying his retirement with his girlfriend, Rebekah Graf.
Previously, he married Heidi Strobel on New Year’s Eve in 2006, but they ended their marriage after nearly 18 years in 2024.
The Philadelphia Phillies drafted Cole with the 17th overall selection in the first round of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft.
He played professionally in 2003, pitching for the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws of the South Atlantic League. Later, he was promoted to the Clearwater Threshers and received the Paul Owens Award.
The Phillies promoted him to the major league club for his performance, and he pitched five scoreless innings in his MLB debut against the Cincinnati Reds on May 12, 2006.
Moreover, Cole led his team to win the 2008 World Series over the Tampa Bay Rays and was named the 2008 World Series MVP.
On July 31, 2015, he was traded to the Texas Rangers, where he was named to the 2016 MLB All-Star Game.
Likewise, he played for the Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Diego Padres before announcing his retirement on August 4, 2023.
So fortunate to be next to these guys and to have done what we did together. Such a special place for memories that will last forever.
Cole Hamels
Cole Hamels And Heidi Strobel’s Divorce After 18 Years
Cole Hamels and Heidi Strobel, who gained fame for her appearance on Survivor: The Amazon, officially divorced in 2024 after nearly two decades of marriage.
They married on December 31, 2006, and had built a life centered around family, philanthropy, and business before ultimately parting ways.
Rangers pitcher Cole Hamels and his wife, Heidi, donate $9.4 million Missouri mansion and 100 acres of land to charity that helps kids with special needs and chronic illnesses. https://t.co/eQPmSlImIN pic.twitter.com/L1iJHrO0cB
— ABC News (@ABC) December 19, 2017
Hamels and Strobel share five children and live in a custom-built home in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, before relocating to Texas.
They donated their Missouri mansion valued at $10 million to Camp Barnabas, a Christian camp for children with special needs.
In 2009, they founded the Hamels Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting education for children in underserved communities, including initiatives in Philadelphia and Malawi.
After Cole stepped down in 2021, the organization rebranded as Uplift Malawi, focusing on building sustainable schools in Africa.
Despite their separation, Cole and Heidi have remained committed to co-parenting their children.
Heidi, a fitness enthusiast and entrepreneur, runs HeidiHamelsFit, a wellness brand promoting sustainable fitness for women.
Furthermore, she founded Twelve6 Entertainment and remains involved in philanthropic efforts through Uplift Malawi.
Stop using your kids as your excuse to not be the best version of you and start using them as YOUR REASON because they deserve nothing less! When we think of our children and all the things we go through for them – why isn’t staying healthy our number 1!?
Heidi Hamels
Cole Hamels Finds Love with Actress Rebekah Graf
After retiring from Major League Baseball in 2023, former Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels found love with actress Rebekah Graf.
The couple has shared moments from their personal lives on social media, showcasing a close and affectionate bond.
I always look forward to the moments and adventures we get @rebekahgraf The joy and serenity I have around you is so special and easy. I’m so grateful we found each other and I cherish every minute we get together…. Even makes hours long road trips less daunting.
Cole Hamels
Rebekah Graf is an American actress best known for her role as Heather Locklear in the 2018 Motley Crüe biopic The Dirt.
Her passion for acting began early, and she performed in local theater productions as a child, encouraged by her supportive parents.
Over the years, she has established a steady career in film and television, appearing in projects such as The Mindy Project and 2 Broke Girls.
Before dating Cole, Rebekah made headlines in 2019 when she was linked to actor Josh Duhamel. However, her relationship with the retired MLB star appears to be a more serious chapter in her life.
Since going public, the couple has been spotted enjoying vacations and quiet moments together, signaling a strong connection.
This incredible man worked tirelessly to bring joy and memories to so many people over his career. Watching the love and gratitude given to him in spades yesterday was so overwhelmingly moving. Thank you, so much, all of you incredibly Philly fans for showing Cole the warmth and recognition that you brought to the field yesterday. Every moment will be forever cherished. ❤️💙
Rebekah Graf
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Colbert Michael Hamels, the oldest son of Gary and Amanda Hamels, was born on December 27, 1983, in San Diego, California.
- He is of Dutch descent and grew up with his two siblings, Mitchell and Jillian.
- He was a gifted student who scored 1510 (out of 1600) on the SAT.
- His net worth is estimated to be $105 million, and he earns $22.5 million annually.