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Hamels Takes Out Ad In Sunday Paper Thanking Phillies Fans

By Hadas Kuznits

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- On the heels of his trade to the Texas Rangers, former Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels is thanking the fans in a full-page ad in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

In the Sunday Inquirer, Cole and his Wife Heidi express their appreciation to the city and its fans, and thank them for their support while living in Philadelphia.

It reads:

"You have given us memories that will last a lifetime. Philadelphia is the 'City of Brotherly Love' and we cannot thank you enough for the love that you have shown our family during our time here.

To the many fans, friends, and family that we have made here, we are eternally grateful. Philadelphia is where we made our first home and where we started our family, and it will always hold a special place in our hearts.

We wish the Philadelphia Phillies, their fans and the entire city of Philadelphia the very best. Thank you again for being an amazing part of our lives! We will never forget you!"

Jake Kaplan, Phillies beat writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer, tweeted the ad.

The ad has drawn quite a reaction from Phillies fans.

"That just shows how much he appreciated his time here, and that it wasn't just all about the sport."

"I think it's a classy thing to do. He's a classy guy."

"It's great! He meant a lot to Philly, and he's giving back just like we have supported him over all these years."

"It's a great thing that he showed the respect and appreciation for his fans, and the public in general."

While in Philadelphia, Hamels and his wife created and ran the Hamels Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on education.

"I'm familiar with the fact that both he and Heidi did a lot of good charity things in Philadelphia when they were here."

And there was that little thing that happened in 2008 when the Phillies won the World Series -- and Hamels was named World Series MVP.

"He brought a lot of awesome momentum to the city, and really showed what the Phillies can do."

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