On Tuesday afternoon the entire Major League Baseball family mourned the loss of former Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay, who died in a plane crash in the Gulf of Mexico at the age of 40.
Halladay retired after the 2013 season with the Phillies, completing a Hall-of-Fame career that spanned 16 seasons. During his career, Halladay won two Cy Young Awards, one each in the American League and National League, and was named to eight All-Star teams.
Halladay went 203-105 in 416 career games (390 starts) to go along with a 3.38 ERA and 1.18 WHIP while striking out 2,117 batters. In his first career postseason start for the Phillies in 2010, Halladay dazzled and tossed the second postseason no-hitter in MLB history, blanking the Cincinnati Reds.
The Colorado native had four seasons with at least 200 strikeouts and 35 or fewer walks. No other pitcher in baseball history has more than two.
After retiring, Halladay found a new passion in flying planes as he got his pilot license in 2014. It was but one month ago he took to Twitter to express his joy over purchasing the A5 aircraft that sadly brought about tragedy.
I have dreamed about owning a A5 since I retired! Real life is better then my dreams!! Thx Kirk & everyone @ICONAircraft pic.twitter.com/wkk6TtjAY4
— Roy Halladay (@RoyHalladay) October 13, 2017
Halladay had two children with his wife, Brandy. During the offseason, Halladay lived with his family in Tarpon Springs, Fla. He was very involved in philanthropies both in Toronto and Philadelphia throughout his career, and while with the Blue Jays he donated $100,000 each year to the Jays Care Foundation.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Brandon McCarthy, Yasiel Puig and Justin Turner, and Chase Utley, a former teammate of Halladay’s were among those in the MLB community to offer their condolences.
I wanted to be Roy Halladay. I’m heartbroken, rest easy Doc.
— dan haren (@ithrow88) November 7, 2017
Oh my god man. Day ruined. Wow. Prayers with the entire Halladay family. This is awful! https://t.co/nrS2INJ231
— Marcus Stroman (@MStrooo6) November 7, 2017
Gone too soon my friend!!! Blessed to have shared the field with you as a teammate, competitor, friend and more importantly a brother. Praying for Brandy, Ryan and Brayden🙏🏽
— Shane Victorino (@ShaneVictorino) November 7, 2017
Being a kid from Colorado, this man was my hero growing up!! Was a pleasure to watch pitch. Can't believe this happened https://t.co/F3yRacz5fx
— Kevin Gausman (@KevinGausman) November 7, 2017
Heart is broken to hear about Roy Halladay .great friend, teammate, father and husband. One of the best teammates ever! You will be missed !
— Roy Oswalt (@royoswalt44net) November 7, 2017
In shock over the terrible news about Roy Halladay… a pitcher I grew up admiring & rooting for. Praying for his family & friends. #RIPDoc
— Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) November 7, 2017
I only own like 5 signed jerseys, and I was so scared to ask him. He wrote that he liked watching ME pitch. What an honor pic.twitter.com/ufj4G8u5DD
— dan haren (@ithrow88) November 7, 2017
Honored to have had the opportunity to step in the box against the Hall of Famer Roy Halladay. Sick to my stomach to hear the news #RIP34 🙏
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) November 7, 2017
Such a sad day. We lost a great ball player but an even better human being. Many prayers to Brandy, Ryan, & Brayden. We will miss you Roy.
— Ryan Howard (@ryanhoward) November 7, 2017
I can’t believe it. So many times we competed against each other and even while competing, I wanted to see you! My condolences to his family https://t.co/q5VGqQvoDu
— Pedro Martinez (@45PedroMartinez) November 7, 2017
Crushed to hear about the passing of Roy, a Great Husband and Father. My heart goes out to his wife and his 2 sons. #MLB #RoyHalladay pic.twitter.com/24bs6tCRgl
— Jerry Hairston, Jr. (@TheRealJHair) November 7, 2017
Everyone who plays baseball wishes they could be a small fraction like Doc Halladay. Such a great competitor, RIP.
— Brett Anderson (@BAnderson3737) November 7, 2017
Roy Halladay was your favorite player's favorite player. A true ace and a wonderful person. Heartbroken for those who knew him best.
— Brandon McCarthy (@BMcCarthy32) November 7, 2017
Very sad to hear about this. Good man, great pitcher and competitor. My condolences to his family 🙏🏽 https://t.co/pLvgq8OrtC
— Yasiel Puig (@YasielPuig) November 7, 2017
