Hamels represents World Series champions at Philadelphia Sports Fans Choice Awards

Since capturing the city's first world title since 1983, where hasn't World Series MVP Cole Hamels been?

He has appeared on the "Late Show with David Letterman," "Ellen" with Ellen DeGeneres, even "Jim Rome is Burning."

Oh, Hamels squeezed in time for a courtside appearance at a Lakers game, too. And a monster of a parade. Did we forget to mention that he was an honorary Eagles captain on "Sunday Night Football?"

Hamels was back in town yesterday to collect some more hardware at the Philadelphia Sports Fans Choice Awards at the Marriott downtown.

"This whole run has been outstanding. It wasn't anything that I really had expected," Hamels said. "With the whole LA experience, these are shows that I have grown up watching.

"It has been a surreal moment," he said.

Hamels received the Philadelphia Team Achievement Award on behalf of his teammates. The award was presented by former Phillies pitchers Marty Bystrom, Dickie Noles and Mitch Williams.

Around town, Hamels has been thankful for the affection and well-wishes he has received from fans; the genuine appreciation for his performance has touched him.

"I couldn't be more thankful for their support," Hamels said. "They're so happy. That is why we play this game. It is really to bring joy to everyone that follows us. I think that is what we were able to do."

While he has enjoyed the star treatment on a national level, Hamels has not lost sight of the goals that still stand. Even with a little play, he is still all business.

"I don't mind all of the attention," Hamels said. "You just don't want it to end. You want to keep going and going and going.

"But I don't want it to take away from what I do, and that is to play baseball. I think we have the talent to keep going and keep producing," he added.

Although he was snubbed by voters for the National League MVP, Ryan Howard was named Philadelphia's MVP athlete by the fans. More than 196,000 ballots were cast at local Wawa stores. Hamels agreed with Howard's selection.

"Howard was definitely our team MVP," Hamels said. "I think that he definitely deserved it. You can't knock [the Cardinals' Albert] Pujols . . . but it was the matter of opinion."

Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson was voted as Philadelphia's Rising Star. In addition, Hometown Hero awards were presented to the Phillies' Shane Victorino, the Eagles' Brent Celek, the Sixers' Willie Green, Soul defensive back Mike Brown, and the Flyers' Jared Ross and Danny Briere.

With all four major sports well represented by both past and present stars, Briere was excited to be mingling with some of the town's other top players.

"I haven't had too much time to interact with the other athletes because of our schedule," Briere said. "Most of us [on the Flyers] keep up with what is going on in the other sports.

"With all of the stars here, it is nice for us to be able to catch up with the other players on a night off."

Briere offered congratulations to Hamels, but even after meeting the "Who's Who" of celebrities, Hamels was in awe to meet Briere.

"Meeting these guys that play for the other teams, that has been cool," Hamels said. "I didn't grow up with hockey and I really didn't grow up with basketball.

"I am in awe with a guy like Danny, because I could never play hockey. Basketball? I have no shot. I have tremendous respect for them. They are experiencing the same things that we are from the city, the fans, and we can definitely relate."

For now, there are no star-studded events on Hamels' agenda. He is going on a vacation with his wife, Heidi, next week. Where to?

"I can't tell, it's a surprise for my wife," Hamels said. "If she finds out, that will be bad."

What ever happened to the MVP going to Disney World? *