The baseball world is in mourning and shock after the passing of one of its own. Unexpectedly on Tuesday afternoon, news filtered down about the passing of former Toronto Blue Jay, Roy Halladay.
Words can’t begin to describe the gravity of this loss, but fans and players alike are trying to put into words what the man simply known as “Doc” meant to them. Tributes are pouring in from Halladay’s former teammates, many who took the field during his tenure in Toronto.
Halladay was the elder statesman of the Blue Jays’ starting rotation in the mid-2000’s and unquestionably left his mark on many young pitchers who came up after him. During the 2009 season, the baton was unofficially passed from Halladay to Ricky Romero.
In 2008, Halladay combined with A.J. Burnett to make one of the most lethal 1-2 starting rotation punches in all of baseball. Although their most memorable moment be may squaring off as competitors the following season, Burnett noted how much Halladay meant to him as a teammate and friend.
As Carlos Delgado was just reaching the peak of his career in Toronto, Halladay was just beginning his infancy as a Blue Jay. It wasn’t long after that Doc was “rebuilt” by heading down to Single A, not before returning three years later and capturing the first of his two Cy Young Awards.
Although Halladay was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies before J.P. Arencibia made his Major League debut, Doc still made a lasting impact on the Blue Jays’ former catcher.
Jesse Litsch was one of Halladay’s former rotation-mates from 2007 to 2009. Pitching behind one of the best arms in the American League, Litsch tried to soak up as much knowledge as he could from the Blue Jays great.
Vernon Wells was there first-hand to witness Halladay’s greatness every five days. As a Gold Glove defender, Wells helped Doc out with some stellar plays in centre field.
One of the best to ever do it. I had a front row seat to watch his greatness. RIP Doc. šš¾ to Brandy and the kids.
— Vernon Wells (@VernonWells10) November 7, 2017
He may have only spent one season in a Blue Jays uniform, but Bengie Molina had the pleasure of being behind the plate for 21 games during the 2006 season. Molina said Doc was one of the best pitchers he’s ever caught.
Wow i feel so sick and sad, what a true COMPETITOR and an AWESOME teammate and friend he was and one of the nastiest pitcher Iāve ever caught!šwow PRAYERS for his whole family!!šš½ #RIP Docāļø @BlueJays pic.twitter.com/ntz1PYI9xq
— Bengie Molina (@BengieMolina1) November 7, 2017
Off the field, Chris Carpenter and Halladay were dear friends, even “fishing buddies”. The two made their way up the Blue Jays’ minor leagues together and Carpenter passed on his condolences.
Statement from Chris Carpenter on the passing of his friend, Roy Halladay: pic.twitter.com/7gISojZsPH
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) November 7, 2017