Hamels says Utley, Burrell convinced him to buy in Center City

Cole Hamels says that Pat Burrell and Chase Utley convinced him and wife Heidi to move into Center City.

The couple were welcomed to their new building, The Residences at Two Liberty Place, with a party there Monday night. Hamels signed autographs and graciously posed for photos with those attending the party, which was cosponsored by Philadelphia Style magazine. Hamels graces the March/April cover. The World Series MVP told us that despite the convenience of the Broad Street Subway, he still planned to drive to the ballpark.

610 WIP's Howard Eskin, ESPN's Sal Paolantonio, attorney Chuck Peruto Jr., former Sixers GM Billy King and CBS 3's Doug Kammerer were among the crowd. Guests tasted fare from chef Daniel Stern, who is opening a restaurant on the 37th floor of the luxury high-rise.

Hamels paid more than $2.2 million for a three-bedroom condo in the building. The couple, who are working on adopting a baby from Ethiopia, lived in West Chester while Heidi earned a master's degree at West Chester University.

One interesting sight at the reception was former mayoral candidate Tom Knox, who is in the process of buying a place at Two Liberty for about $8 million. He sported a new hair color that fell somewhere between blond and gray.