Toronto Blue Jays: Reactions from the sports world to Roy Halladay’s death
By Curtis Panke
It was announced Tuesday afternoon that former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher, Roy Halladay died in a plane crash bringing on reaction from the sports world.
The sports world is in a state of mourning following the shocking death of former Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies ace Roy Halladay.
The former two-time Cy Young Award winner was flying his ICON A5 aircraft and crashed into the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday afternoon. He was 40-years-old.
We are saddened by the tragic news that Roy Halladay, 2-time Cy Young Award winner & 8-time All-Star, has died in a plane crash. He was 40. pic.twitter.com/SOFv3bOLyt
— MLB (@MLB) November 7, 2017
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Halladay’s death and paid tribute to him on their Twitter account.
RIP Roy Doc Halladay, a true baseball great and a man with a generous heart.Our thoughts and prayers are with Roy and his family during this difficult time. We were blessed to have known him and consider him to be a member of our family. We are grateful for his love and support. pic.twitter.com/wMprVclFtC
— Pasco Sheriff (@PascoSheriff) November 7, 2017
Halladay, affectionately known as Doc, or The Doctor by Jays fans was drafted by the Blue Jays in the first round of the 1995 MLB Draft and made his major league debut in 1998. After 12 seasons with the Blue Jays and 4 seasons with the Phillies Halladay signed a one day contract to retire as a Blue Jay.
He is one of six pitchers to win the Cy Young Award in both the AL and NL and is the second pitcher to ever throw a no hitter in the playoffs.
Both the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies released statements offering condolences to Halladay’s family.
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
Current and former members of the Blue Jays shared their condolences for one of the best pitchers in team history.
Oh my god man. Day ruined. Wow. Prayers with the entire Halladay family. This is awful! https://t.co/nrS2INJ231
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) November 7, 2017
RIP Roy 'DOC' Halladay 😔
— Aaron Sanchez (@A_Sanch18) November 7, 2017
Sad news, so sorry to hear about the passing of my great teammate #RoyHalladay. My heart goes to out to his family and friends #RIP @BlueJays
— Carlos Delgado (@carlosdelgado21) November 8, 2017
RIP , one of the greatest .. pic.twitter.com/g4kfUdO3eB
— Roberto Osuna (@RobertoOsuna1) November 7, 2017
Halladay is survived by his wife, Brandy, and their two children.
Once word of Halladay’s death was announced the outpouring of condolences and tributes came on social media.
Saddened to hear my card playing partner on the @BlueJays just passed. RIP my man. You are missed already @RoyHalladay
— Jose Cruz, Jr. (@cruz22) November 7, 2017
One of the best to ever do it. I had a front row seat to watch his greatness. RIP Doc. 🙏🏾 to Brandy and the kids.
— Vernon Wells (@VernonWells10) November 7, 2017
Saddened to learn about the passing of Roy Halladay .
— Roberto Alomar (@Robbiealomar) November 7, 2017
Rest In Peace 🙏🏼🙏🏼@MLB @AlomarSports @BlueJays !
The rest of the sports community shared their own thoughts on Halladay both as an athlete and as a man off the field.
RIP Roy Halladay. pic.twitter.com/RbuCgPa27S
— Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum 🇨🇦⚾️ (@CDNBaseballHOF) 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
Roy Halladay will be severely missed. Had the chance to pick his brain one time. I'm grateful to have come across such a humble man. My heart goes out to his beautiful family. #RIPDOC
— Chris Archer (@ChrisArcher22) November 7, 2017
Statement from Chris Carpenter on the passing of his friend, Roy Halladay: pic.twitter.com/7gISojZsPH
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) November 7, 2017
When the Phillies came to Toronto for a series in July 2011, Roy Halladay went back to one of his old habits - running the stairs at the Rogers Centre. pic.twitter.com/X50lxAOvPS
— Ian Hunter (@BlueJayHunter) November 7, 2017
Beyond gifted, but never spoke of it.
— Dirk Hayhurst (@TheGarfoose) November 8, 2017
Inspired with action, not words.
Never compromised, backed down, or judged.
Always respectful.
Ever-kind.
Genuinely humble.
Quiet. Honest. Sincere. Caring.
A Timeless example.
I knew greatness.
I knew Roy Halladay.
Carlos Ruiz released this statement about his friend, Roy Halladay. pic.twitter.com/xrQJh4KMXN
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) November 8, 2017
I am so sad to hear the news of Roy Halladay. He was one of the greatest of all time. My prayers are with his family and friends. #RIPDocHalladay #Legend pic.twitter.com/5v4GLy5Rcs
— Doug Gilmour (@douggilmour) November 8, 2017
Growing up watching #32 take the mound every 5 days for the @BlueJays was a pleasure. He was an athlete I️ idolized. RIP Doc
— Logan Couture (@Logancouture) 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
We were together in this journey as Canadian Baseball Hall of Famers, now you are gone. RIP Roy Halladay pic.twitter.com/x5Vv0r8djx
— Vladimir Guerrero (@VladGuerrero27) November 7, 2017
The Toronto Raptors also held a moment of silence for Halladay before their game against the Chicago Bulls.
Next: A tribute to Roy Halladay
What are your thoughts on Halladay’s death? Do you have any favourite memories from his time with the Toronto Blue Jays? Let us know in the comments below.