Roy Halladay died in a plane crash on Tuesday and many in the sports world were devastated. The ace pitcher played for the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies and will forever be known as a player who longed for a trip to the postseason, only to throw a no-hitter in his first playoff appearance in 2010.
Halladay was a living legend in baseball, a player who knew when it was time to walk away from the game while still leaving an enormous impact on players and fans. His life post-retirement was equally fruitful for the former Cy Young winner. He flew planes, was active on social media, and was a family man.
The death of the former pitcher sent shockwaves through the sports world on Tuesday, starting with the teams that called him an All-Star.
Statement from the Blue Jays organization on the tragic passing of Roy Halladay: pic.twitter.com/Ih8D0RQE9p
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) November 7, 2017
Phillies statement on the sudden & tragic passing of Roy Halladay: pic.twitter.com/gGhv7JUKv0
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) November 7, 2017
The Baseball Hall of Fame got in its condolences as well.
Roy Halladay's cap and ball from his 2010 perfect game. His legacy lives on in Cooperstown. Rest in peace, Doc. pic.twitter.com/PqASdhK8bf
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) November 7, 2017
Unsurprisingly, a number of Halladay’s former teammates took the loss especially hard.
Devastated by the tragic loss of Roy Halladay. Best, most consistent pitcher ever. Tremendous teammate. Loving father. Great person. Prayers
— Raúl Ibañez (@RaulIbanezMLB) November 7, 2017
Heart broken- Roy was always the guy I looked up to in little league, in high school, in the bigs. So lucky to have been his teammate. Incredible husband, incredible dad, we will miss you Doc!
— Brad Lidge (@SlidersNSaves54) 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
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
Former Phillies second baseman shared a heartbreaking but incredible story about Halladay’s legendary work ethic.
Lots of current MLB pitchers shared their condolences about the 40-year-old pitcher.
Just heard the tragic news about @RoyHalladay and I'm speechless. One of the best pitchers I've ever seen play. Very sad day for our game.
— Jon Lester (@JLester34) November 7, 2017
Shocked and saddened… gone way too soon. One of the best ever. #RIPDoc
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) November 7, 2017
His former manager on the Phillies, Charlie Manuel, seemed particularly devastated.
I’m stunned to silence over the news of Roy Halladay. My thoughts and heart are with Brandy and the boys. Rest In Peace my friend.
— Charlie Manuel (@CMBaseball41) November 7, 2017
Former players that often dueled against him like Pedro Martinez seemed equally saddened by the loss.
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
Shocked at the passing of Roy Halladay. One of the toughest competitors I ever faced. Don't think his greatness was truly appreciated. #MLB
— Bernie Williams (@bw51official) November 7, 2017
Many in the NBA community were also crushed by Halladay’s untimely death as well.
Damn man, R.I️.P. Roy Halladay
— Evan Turner (@thekidet) November 7, 2017
RIP Roy Halladay.. a Toronto legend! Growing up I used to love watching Doc play, sad day for Toronto sports fans
— Tristan Thompson (@RealTristan13) November 7, 2017
RIP to Roy Halladay. When I played baseball, I always wanted to pitch like “Doc”.
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) November 7, 2017
Halladay’s dominance on the bump and revered professionalism on and off the field had a greater impact on the sports world than maybe even he realized. And now, tragically, he’s gone.
