Texas Rangers pitcher Cole Hamels can be referred to by any number of titles; 4-time All Star, 2008 NLCS MVP, 2008 World Series MVP, and 2008 World Series Champion, just to name a few. But we may have to add another title to his name after he and his wife made an extremely generous donation this past week; philanthropist.
Cole Hamels and his wife Heidi donated their 32,000 square foot, southwest Missouri mansion to Camp Barnabas, a charity that provides camps for children who have special needs and chronic illnesses. The Hamels had the property listed for $9,418,400 at the time of the donation, making it the largest gift in the history of the charity.
In a news release posted to the Camp Barnabas website, the Hamels revealed what motivated he and his wife to donate the property to the organization. "There are tons of amazing charities in Southwest Missouri. Out of all of these, Barnabas really pulled on our heartstrings," said the 2008 World Series MVP. "Seeing the faces, hearing the laughter, reading the stories of the kids they serve; there is truly nothing like it. Barnabas makes dreams come true, and we felt called to help them in a big way."
Krystal Symon, Chief Development Officer of Camp Barnabas, said regarding the donation, "This is so much more than a beautiful property … This incredible gift allows us to further our ministry and truly change thousands of lives for years to come."
According to the Springfield News-Leader, the couple's attorney said they thought the mansion would be their dream home but ultimately decided to move to Texas after the 33-year-old pitcher was traded to the Rangers in 2015.
The mansion, located in Branson West, Missouri, was built in 2016 and contains 10 bedrooms and 13 full bathrooms. The property that the mansion is built is a total of 104 acres, and also features a full playground and waterfront.
The donation from the Hamels comes shortly after star golfer Jordan Spieth also made a donation to Camp Barnabas. Spieth's donation will give 100 campers with special needs and chronic illnesses to experience a life-changing week at the camp.
