#doc halladay

Written by Tyler Roope

Roy “Doc” Halladay tragically died on November 7, 2017 when his personal aircraft crashed into the Gulf of Mexico. He leaves behind his wife and two kids along with countless fans. Halladay pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays from 1998-2009 and the Philadelphia Phillies from 2010-2013. In his 15 year career, he had a 203-105 record with a career ERA of 3.38, and notched over 2000 strikeouts. He was an eight time all-star, two time Cy Young Award winner, led the league in wins twice, and pitched a perfect game and a postseason no hitter in the same year (2010). His impact on the field is only overshadowed by his impact off the field. During his time in Toronto, him and his wife created “Doc’s Box,” which encouraged many to donate to The Hospital for Sick Children during games. Along with this, he was often times the finalist for the Roberto Clemente Award, which highlights a player’s contributions off the field. I would like to share my story on this future Hall of Famer.

I'm a die-hard Reds fan through and through - all my life I have been. When I was in the sixth grade, the Make-A-Wish Foundation flew me and my family to Cincinnati to meet the Reds and attend a game. The point is they mean everything to me, and at that point in 2010 they had never made the postseason in my life. That year felt right though. Everything was going for them. I even became great friends with Jay Bruce! Needless to say, when he hit the walk off to clinch the division against the Astros, I flipped. I mean, I felt a little of it was because of me :)

Then I hear we were facing the Phillies. Oh boy. I knew we had a huge challenge, especially with Halladay. The day that match up came, I couldn't sit still. I was so nervous at school, yet upset because I couldn't watch the game there. Then I hear my principal tell me my dad was here to get me for an emergency. Naturally, I knew what was going on. I was stoked when I saw him and realized we were about to relax at home and watch the game together.

This moment in my life this was one of the most exciting things to ever happen...then the game started. We all know what happened...I imagined that the Reds might lose. I thought if that came to fruition I'd be devastated. And to be honest, until about the seventh inning, I was. But then I realized what was actually happening. I mean, oh my God, a playoff no hitter and by the Doc himself! When the game ended, of course I was sad. But I saw victory in defeat. I took a step outside of my shoes as a Reds fan and looked through the lens of a baseball fan.

Ever since that, when the Reds blow it (especially these past few years), I'm reminded of that no hitter. I look at our 90+ loss season we had (again) and I try to see the greatness that still occurred:

Barnhart wins gold glove over Molina and Posey

Six of our hitters with over 20 dinger

Votto MVP season 

Hunter Greene and other young pitchers in the system

Remembering the unforgettable, iconic Doc Halladay

I never had the privilege of meeting the pitcher most players who did know him thought of as an icon. I likely wouldn’t have ever had the pleasure of meeting Roy Halladay even if his plane hadn’t crashed into the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday, killing the 40-year-old former Major League Baseball player. 

Sadly, after hearing his teammates, opponents and friends talk about the charismatic, tall,…

Thinking of Doc Halladay

An incredibly sad day in Toronto, Philadelphia, and Clearwater, Florida with the news of baseball great Doc Halladay death in a plane crash. It is hard to imagine a humbler great man. Doc was a GREAT pitcher, but everyone who knew him, everyone who competed against him, everyone who studied his craft and his life said that he was an even better human being.

What makes a man or woman great? Truly…