Halladay thanks Toronto with newspaper ad
The first thing Roy Halladay did during his introductory press conference at Citizens Bank Park last week was thank the fans of Toronto. Halladay was a fan favorite during his 15 years there, even up to his final, uncertain moments with the franchise. His wife, Brandy, said it wasn't so much about wanting to leave Toronto but instead to find a place where Roy could win.
Halladay thanks Toronto with newspaper ad
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
The first thing Roy Halladay did during his introductory press conference at Citizens Bank Park last week was thank the fans of Toronto. Halladay was a fan favorite during his 15 years there, even up to his final, uncertain moments with the franchise. His wife, Brandy, said it wasn't so much about wanting to leave Toronto but instead to find a place where Roy could win.
On Tuesday, Halladay once again thanked the Toronto fans with a full-page ad in the Toronto Sun. Here is the full text of his message:
My wife Brandy, sons Braden and Ryan and I would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Toronto Blue Jays organization, its incredible fans, and the City of Toronto.
I feel blessed to have been a part of the Blue Jays since 1995 and am extremely thankful for the opportunities it has provided. Thoughout the past 15 years, there have been so many people within the organization that have made a wonderful and significant impact on my life, it would be impossible to name them all.
I am sincerely grateful for the incredible support and compassion the Blue Jays fans have always shown me. I am in awe of your overwhelming passion and devotion.
Toronto will forever have a special place in my heart.
The memories will last a lifetime and so will my gratitude.
Best regards,
Roy
Brett Clarkson, a columnist at the Sun, wrote about Halladay's farewell and said, "Philadelphia is one lucky town."
Halladay will have another chance to pitch in Toronto during the 2010 season when the Phillies visit the Blue Jays for an interleague series on June 25-27. Blue Jays president Paul Beeston told the Sun that the organization will honor Halladay in some manner during that series.
Halladay is a class act. Glad to have him!— cuso20- I know Halladay is a class act, wants to play in Philadelphia, and is one of the premier pitchers in baseball but was he really worth Kyle Drabek and Michael Taylor?! Just kidding. I'm thrilled he's pitching for the Phils.— smel4727
- Now Philly fans you can really see what a class act Doc is. Enjoy watching him pitch, I guarantee you've never seen anything like him on the mound. He's a once-in-a-generation kind of pitcher, and an even better person. Doc, you will always be a Blue Jay, and you have not just the city of Toronto, but the entire country of Canada behind you. Now go make us proud and lead the Phils to a title!— sharkey58
Glad to see a player who inspires such completely positive vibes. I feel pretty sure that he will make an already great situation even better.— 1980- I have no doubt Halladay is a terrific pitcher. But Sharkey58 shouldn't be telling Philadelphia fans that they've never seen anything like him on the mound. Steve Carlton's 27-10, 1.98 ERA, 310 strikeouts, 30 CGs and 15-game winning for a 59-win team was amazing. He had five 20-plus victory seasons for the Phillies and won four Cy Young Awards. Plus he had a lifetime batting average of .201. Halladay has two 20-win seasons, and a high of 9 CGs. And let's hope he can improve upon that .079 BA now that he's in the NL. Glad to have him. I hope to see the Phillies in their third straight World Series, and would love to see Halladay with a World Champion cap on!— Slovs
