PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) --
The Philadelphia School District received a big donation from a familiar face Thursday.Former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels and his wife Heidi returned to the city to deliver a $95,500 check to the district on behalf of their family's foundation.
The grant will be used to update the greenhouses at Walter Biddle Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences.
"Thanks to the @TheHamels for the generous contribution to the WB Saul Horticulture and Greenhouse Mgt program," Superintendent William Hite tweeted.
Thanks to the @TheHamels for the generous contribution to the WB Saul Horticulture and Greenhouse Mgt program pic.twitter.com/l79efU2Y0F
— Dr. William Hite (@SDPHite) November 10, 2016
During the announcement Thursday, Saul student Belam Velasque spoke about her love for horticulture and thanked the Hamels.
Student Belam Velasquez says she loves horticulture & thanks @TheHamels for the state of the art greenhouse #PHLed pic.twitter.com/aSf5T86FEP
— Philadelphia Schools (@PHLschools) November 10, 2016
The 130-acre campus is located in Roxborough.
The school's vision, according to its website, is: We believe in the future of agriculture and in developing an appreciation of the agricultural sciences along with developing a responsibility for improving, preserving and managing the earth's natural resources. We are committed to prepare students to become active and competent citizens who work and/or study within their chosen field of interest.
Thank you to @TheHamels for the $95k grant to Saul! This will go a long way to updating greenhouses. #PHLed πΏπ pic.twitter.com/jLNP4apY4C
— Philadelphia Schools (@PHLschools) November 10, 2016
Hamels, drafted by the Phillies in 2002, was traded to the Texas Rangers in 2015.
In his last outing with the Phils, Hamels threw a no-hitter against the Chicago Cubs in a 5-0 victory.
Hamels was the 2008 World Series MVP.