Let the Halladay heartache begin
December 14th, 2009 will be forever remembered as the day that the Toronto Blue Jays parted ways with one of their greatest players in franchise history.
As I dry off my keyboard from the river of tears, rest assured that it’s not easy to see Roy Halladay traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in a reported three-team trade involving the Jays, Phils and Mariners.
The writing was on the wall for this deal since July, yet all the time in the world couldn’t prepare us for what was to happen today.
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Just as Kevin Kaduk from Big League Stew said … it’s like the end of Marley and Me. Roy Halladay leaving the Blue Jays was inevitable, but sure doesn’t make things any easier.
The worst part of it all is that the man behind the curtain, Alex Anthopoulos, is not available to comment on these trade talks for the next few days. I realize that AA wants to get his facts straight and cross all the t’s and dot all the i’s before going public, but wouldn’t it be better to give the fans either a yes or no answer before heading into your Fortress of Solitude?
Come on Alex, it’s the least you could do after the biggest trade in the franchise’s history.
In the meantime, I will mourn the loss of the best pitcher in baseball and wish Doc his very best in his future endeavours. Suddenly, that June 25th Interleague weekend series against the Phillies at the Rogers Centre just became much more interesting. Even though it will be in a different uniform, I’ll look forward to seeing Halladay back in Toronto.
I wish no ill will towards Roy Halladay, and am certain he will see continued success with the Phillies carving up those hapless National League hitters.
At the end of all of this, when Doc has won another three Cy Young awards and is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, I hope he looks back on his time in Toronto with fond memories … because I always will.
Regardless of which cap and jersey Roy Halladay will be wearing from here on out, as far as I’m concerned he will always be a member of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Start working on that “Level of Excellence” induction ceremony, boys.
It's a sad and sombre night. I am drinking. To torture myself, I Googled news stories of when Doc signed his extension in 2006; how he was so happy to stay in the city that he loved, how he couldn't "express how excited I am." How he was very happy with the moves Ricciardi had made. He gave us a shot. It just didn't fucking work out. But, boy, was it ever a pleasure.
I'll def be there in June when he comes home. He's got to pitch. It will be amazing to greet him when he takes the mound. And then, like Halladay, it's all business. I hope we beat him. But I won't be mad if he breaks some ankles with that devastating cutter, or makes Vernon look like a fucking fool with a nasty hook. When Doc comes back, regardless of the outcome of the game, we all win.
He was a treat to watch. The true GBOAT.
An excellent tribute, mate.
Here here – the first thing I did when I got home was hit the liquor cabinet, then started writing. At first it was so surreal, but now I think it's actually sunk in that Halladay is going to be gone.
I was working on a video earlier tonight, and came across photos of earlier in this career (babyface Halladay) and he looks so happy. Hard to believe that was just a couple of years ago.
Also looking forward to the Phillies series, and I will be there in attendance come hell or high water, whether or not Doc starts or sits on the bench.
Now … back to the Boyz 2 Men.
Meh. He doesn't want to be here.
No tears.
Can't wait to knock him around.
You heartless, anonymous bastard!!!!!1
LOVE the banner, Ian.
A song played during my robotic state and instantly got me out of my stasis and into a mood of sadness. Another fine ode to Halladay added to the BJ blogosphere, Ian. And definitely add me to the list of those coming out to greet Halladay with a god old fashioned love in when the Phillies come visit in June. Summer just isn't the same without Roy Halladay.
Anon, why no love for Doc? He pitched his ass off for 11 seasons, and merely wants a chance to win a World Series ring. I'd say he's earned it.
Dave, I felt the change was necessary. But now that I think about it, it looks like more of a memorial than anything.
BK, thank you sir! I was like you leaving work last night – a part of me felt like it was ripped out of my chest. Now that we've had 24 hours to digest, it doesn't hurt AS much, but it's still tough to lose the best pitcher in baseball. I look forward to that Interleague Series with the Phillies!
All the trade talks last year was just utterly painful but even that couldn't prepare me for Doc's departure. I know it was for the best because having it drag on for another half season would have been unbearable.
I'm glad Doc will finally get a good chance at some post-season pitching. Too bad it couldn't have been with us.
I'll see you all at the Dome when the Phillies come to town.
Thanks for the memories, Roy.
HLF, another season of will he/won't he would have been taxing on everyone. I'm glad they got it done and over with, and now it's time to heal.