Roy Halladay died in a plane crash yesterday.
Roy Halladay, a two-time Cy Young Award Winner and one of the greatest pitchers of the 2000s, has passed away at the age of 40 following a plane crash in the Gulf of Mexico. At 4:15 ET, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said during a news conference that Halladay’s ICON A5, a small single-engine aircraft, went down around noon Tuesday off the coast of Florida, where Halladay’s body was soon found in shallow water. Halladay joins fellow baseball players Roberto Clemente, Thurman Munson, and Corey Lidle as having perished in a plane crash.
Over the course of a 16 year-career between the Blue Jays and Phillies that lasted from 1998-2013, Halladay went 203-105 with a 3.38 ERA and 2117 strikeouts, making eight all-star appearances. One of only six pitchers to win the Cy Young Award in both the American and National League, Halladay finished in top five of the Cy Young Award voting seven times. In 2010, Halladay made history by becoming the first pitcher in baseball history to pitch a perfect game and no-hitter in the same season, with the no-hitter coming against the Reds in his first ever-postseason start. In his career, Halladay led the league in wins twice, complete games seven times, innings pitched four times, K: BB ratio five times, and WHIP once. Additionally, Halladay Led the league in WAR for Pitchers four times, and finished in the top four eight seasons. His career 65.6 WAR for pitchers is 41st all-time, ahead of Hall of Famer s Bob Feller, Dennis Eckersley, Juan Marichal, Don Drysdale, Whitey Ford, and Sandy Koufax.
In the past year, I have had the misfortunate to write about the deaths of two other pitchers, Jose Fernandez, and Yordano Ventura. However, Roy Halladay’s death feels more personal, as if I’d knew him myself. In 2003, when Halladay won his first Cy Young Award, I was seven years old, and just starting to really get into baseball. Over the next eight years, up until my sophomore year of high school, Halladay had as good of a peak as any pitcher in baseball history, going 151-68 with a 2.97 ERA, 1.102 WHIP, 61 CG, 17 SHO, and 1531 strikeouts. That averages out to a 17-8 record, 217 innings pitched, seven complete games, two shutouts, and 170 strikeouts per season, all of which was done while maintaining a stunning 4.94 SO/BB ratio. Over the same time frame, Halladay compiled 55.0 WAR, averaging 6.1 WAR per season; if you thought that anyone over this period of time was the best pitcher in baseball other than Roy Halladay, well, your wrong, plain and simple.
As a Yankee fan, I had the privilege of watching Halladay pitch anywhere from 2-4 times per year. There are only a handful of pitchers that I have ever watched where when they were pitching against the Yankees, I knew we were heading for a loss. Roy Halladay was one of those pitchers, going 18-7 with a 2.98 ERA against the Yanks.
By all accounts, there were few pitchers who worked as hard as Roy Halladay, and he was widely respected as one of the greatest teammates to ever wear a baseball uniform. To me, he was more than that; he was one of the greatest pitchers to ever grace the mound, someone who I would tune in to watch pitch just so I could see what he did next. On the day he retired, Halladay said this, and there is no better way to sum up what he meant to the baseball community on and off the field; “My goal is to try and leave baseball better than I found it.” Rest in Peace Doc, thank you for the memories.
Statements from Baseball Players
- AJ Burnett: “The best I’ve ever been around. Incredible athlete and more importantly, an incredible man”
- Andrew McCutchen: “The first cutter I ever saw was out of the hands of Roy Halladay. One of the best to do it. My condolences to his family. Lord be with them”
- Bernie Williams: “Shocked at the passing of Roy Halladay. One of the toughest competitors I ever faced. Don’t think his greatness was truly appreciated. #MLB”
- Brad Lidge: “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!”
- Brandon McCarthy: “Roy Halladay was your favorite player’s favorite player. A true ace and a wonderful person. Heartbroken for those who knew him best.”
- Brett Anderson: “Everyone who plays baseball wishes they could be a small fraction like Doc Halladay. Such a great competitor, RIP.”
- J. Wilson: “We all wanted to pitch like Roy, but as hard as we would try- nobody could work like Roy. I was honored to watch, thrilled to face him.”
- Charlie Manuel: “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.”
- Chase Utley: “My heart hurts writing this. I can still remember the first day we met. It was 5:45am on the first day of spring training when I arrived. He was finishing his breakfast but his clothes were soaking wet. I asked if it was raining when he got in. He laughed and said “No I just finished my workout” I knew right then- he was the real deal. Thank you Roy for allowing us to witness what it takes to be the best. We will all miss you.”
- Chipper Jones: “RIP Doc Halladay. It was an honor & a pleasure to share a baseball field with you. Fierce competitor, a true ace on the mound. #heavyheart”
- Chris Archer: “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 Carpenter: “I love him and Brandy and I am so sad for her and the kids! We grew up together. Went through good and bad times together. He was an amazing pitcher, competitor, teammate, and friend. I have so many memories with him and his family. I will miss him.”
- Cody Asche: “I’ll never forget how cool I felt on the night of my debut when Doc gave me shit while eating dinner postgame.. I decided to try and join in on conversation and he kindly reminded to that I had “2 ears and 1 mouth.” Felt like one of the boys right then and there in the show.”
- Cole Hamels: “My family and I are shocked and incredibly saddened at the news of Roy’s passing. To the world, Roy was one of the best pitchers in baseball, but to me, he was an inspiration, a great mentor, teammate, and most importantly, a friend. His preparation and work ethic will be forever ingrained in me. Roy was a man of few words, but he lit up when his boys were around. His family and this game were everything to him and there will never be a day in my own life that I won’t miss him.
- Curt Schilling: “In addition to being a HoF player Roy was a hall of fame person. I think the Hall should invoke the “Clemente” clause for him. #ripcy”
- Dan Haren: “I wanted to be Roy Halladay. I’m heartbroken, rest easy Doc.”
- Daniel Norris: “Some of you have no idea what Roy Halladay meant to the careers of so many of the up & coming stars. Phone calls. Group talks etc. RIP Doc”
- David Cone: “Roy Halladay was a true trailblazer. He created his own style that was stunning to watch. One of the best ever at his craft”
- David Ross: “One of the best of my era, on and off the field. My prayers to his family and friends.”
- Eric Byrnes: “Absolute warrior on the mound & ultimate class act off of it. Nastiest starter I ever faced. My heart breaks for his family…”
- Evan Longoria: “All I can say is wow, life is short. RIP Roy Halladay. It was an honor to compete against you so many times. #CyHalladay #RIPRoy”
- Frank Thomas: “My God I can’t believe this news!! Rest In Peace Doc Holiiday! I’m honored to have played with you my friend! My family is so heart broken!!”
- Hanley Ramirez: “Can’t believe it. Roy was great guy and amazing pitcher, unhittable. This is very sad for the baseball family. Blessings to his family.”
- Jake Peavy: “Heartbroken over Roy H. He was the not only the standard of excellence in the game of baseball but in life! Will miss u my friend.”
- Jason Hammel: “Devastating news about Roy Halladay…an unparalleled artist on the mound. I dropped everything to watch him work…Baseball’s heart hurts… My deepest condolences to the Halladay family. #RIPDoc”
- Jon Lester: “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.”
- Juan Pierre: “Devastating news about Roy Halladay. The only teammate to beat me to the field! A true beast! Praying for his wife and 2 boys! #RIPDoc”
- Justin Turner: “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”
- Kevin Gausman: “Being a kid from Colorado, this man was my hero growing up!! Was a pleasure to watch pitch. Can’t believe this happened.”
- Kevin Youkilis: “Devastated to hear the news of one of the greatest competitors to cross the chalk line and take the bump. RIP Doc.”
- Lance McCullers Jr. “RIP Doc. I remember watching you in awe as a kid, your legacy will forever live on. Love those close to you.”
- Max Scherzer: “I never Roy personally but his work ethic impacted me from the one time we squared off in a ST game in Lakeland. We each threw a few innings and I had gone into the clubhouse, ate lunch, and showered up. I was waking out to my car behind and saw Roy drenched in sweat running poles on the back fields. I’ve never forgotten that day as it was clear that he never needed the cameras or coaches around to push himself and no matter what he was going to get his work done. That’s the Roy Halladay I will always remember.
- Michael Young: “Devastating. One of my favorite teammates ever. The blueprint for what a competitor looks like. RIP Roy Halladay. Heartbroken for his family”
- Mike Trout: “In shock over the terrible news about Roy Halladay… a pitcher I grew up admiring & rooting for. Praying for his family & friends. #RIPDoc”
- Pedro Maritnez: “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”
- Raul Ibanez: “Devastated by the tragic loss of Roy Halladay. Best, most consistent pitcher ever. Tremendous teammate. Loving father. Great person. Prayers.”
- Roy Oswalt: “Heart is broken to hear about Roy Halladay .great friend, teammate, father and husband. One of the best teammates ever! You will be missed!”
- Ryan Howard: “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.”
- Scott Rolen: “I’m sick right now. Doc was as driven a human being as I’d ever met in my life. I’m hurting for his family and friends. We all lost a good man
- Shave Victorino: “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.”
- Trevor Hoffman: “A few words can’t sum up all that you meant to so many. RIP Doc.”
- Vladimir Guerrero: “We were together in this journey as Canadian Baseball Hall of Famers, now you are gone. RIP Roy Halladay”
Statements from Sports Media
- Chris Johnston: “Game 1 of 2010 Stanley Cup final at United Centre: A distracted press box couldn’t help but watch Roy Halladay finish off his perfect game.”
- Dan Plesac: “Thoughts & prayers to the family & friends of @RoyHalladay. A great man, a great father, a great husband and a great teammate. #RIPDoc .”
- Dan Shulman: “I’ve covered a lot of athletes. I’ve never covered anyone who was as respected by his teammates and as revered by fans as Roy Halladay was.”
- Jayson Stark: “Roy Halladay was one of the special people in this world. A beautiful man, driven by the pursuit of excellence. A HOF player & human being.”
- Jess Passan: “Roy Halladay was an amazing baseball player, a second-to-none worker and, best of all, a genuine, good person in an industry without enough. The sadness across baseball right now is overwhelming. Roy Halladay was who everyone wanted to be.”
- Joe Posnanski: “Every pitcher tried to imitate him, no hitter wanted to face him, and everybody liked him. RIP Roy Halladay”
- Joel Sherman: “In the first decade of this century, Halladay was symbol of competitiveness/excellence from mound. #RIP”
- John Heyman: “Baseball is in mourning today. Roy Halladay, who was killed in a plane crash, was a great pitcher and person. Amazing in dedication to craft.”
- Jordan Bastian: “At a loss for words. All I can think about right now is Roy Halladay’s family. He was a joy to cover. Leader on field. Charitable off it.”
- Ken Rosenthal: “Heartbreaking. Halladay was everything you would want a player to be.”
- Mark Feinsand: My lasting memory of Roy Halladay: watching him throw a 3-hit shutout vs Randy Johnson & the Yankees on TV the night my first son was born.”
- Ryan Lawrence: “I think this is the first time I’ve literally been in tears after having to write breaking news.”
- Ryan M. Spaeder: “I am crushed, man. We love you Doc. Your fire and competitive spirit lives on.”
Tweets About Roy Halladay’s Statistical Dominance
- Ryan M. Spaeder
- Roy Halladay had five career seasons with at least 200 strikeouts and 5.00 or more strikeouts-per-walk. Most in baseball history.
- Roy Halladay had 88 career no-win quality starts. He was 0-38 with a 2.59 ERA in those starts.
- Roy Halladay had a 203-105 career record. He went at least seven innings in 40 of those losses and had fifteen career complete game losses.
- Roy Halladay had five seasons with at least 200 strikeouts and 40 or fewer walks. No other pitchers in baseball history has more than three.
- Roy Halladay had a 148 ERA+ from 2001 to 2011. Nolan Ryan did not have a single season with at least 150 innings and even a 143 ERA+.
- Opponents batted .262 off #Phillies Roy Halladay with the bases empty, .215 with men on, and .173 with runners in scoring position in 2010.
- Roy Halladay had three seasons with at least 225 innings and 6.25 strikeouts-per-walk. Most since Tommy Bond had his fourth…in 1884.
- Games with at least 125 pitches thrown: Roy Halladay during his career – 8. Every pitcher in baseball over the last two seasons – 6
- Roy Halladay faced Derek Jeter 104 times in his career. Jeter batted just .234/.294/.277 with 24 strikeouts against him.
- Roy Halladay faced Ichiro 43 times in his career. Ichiro batted just .262/.279/.286 against him.
- Roy Halladay still leads all of baseball in complete games since 2009.
- Tim Raines once said to me: “When you are a player who comes into town and everybody takes notice at what you are doing and tries to stop you from doing what you do, and they can’t—and they can’t for a long time—then that is probably a Hall of Fame player.” That’s Roy Halladay.
- Craig Edwards: WAR Leaders from 2002-2011: Albert Pujols, 74, Alex Rodriguez, 66 Roy Halladay, 59. No other player was above 50.
- Andrew Nichols: Halladay 1998-2013 ranks among qualified pitchers: 67 Complete GMs (1st) 20 Shutouts (T-1st) 65.2 WAR (2nd) 203 Wins (4th) 2,117 K (6th) 2,749.1 IP (6th)
- Evan Drellich: The 9 hitters Roy Halladay faced most: Ortiz, Damon, Jeter, Crawford, Ramirez, Varitek, Huff, A-Rod, Giambi. In 825 PA, allowed just 22 HR
- Tyler Peters: 7 men have thrown both perfect games and no-hitters in their career: Cy Young, Addie Joss, Jim Bunning, Sandy Koufax, Mark Buehrle, Randy Johnson, and Roy Halladay.”
- Baseball Reference
- From 2003-2011, Roy Halladay had more complete games than any other two pitchers COMBINED
- Warren Spahn is the only pitcher in MLB history to lead a league in complete games more times than Halladay
- Roy Halladay had 3 8-WAR seasons, as many as Greg Maddux, Bob Gibson, or Sandy Koufax
