Went out to lunch with my pa when he mentioned 'Doc Halladay was killed in a plane crash yesterday.' Took a minute to register as I was thinking he was referring to Billie Holliday or Hendrix-knows-who. Got it immediately when he saw me struggling and mentioned the word 'pitcher.'
Jeez...definitely one of my 3 fave Blue Jays pitchers of all-time, along with #37 Dave Stieb and one other unmentionable (just two freakin' seasons, there, but was the only real highlight of those two said seasons). Halladay was a total stud as a pitcher.
The only time I can recall calling one of T.O's sports radio stations--fan590--was after his no-no in the playoffs, I think it was (either that or after the earlier perfect game).
I commented in excitement about the guy as I remembered one time, as a Jay, when he took a vicious line-shot right off his head, stumbled slightly for a sec and then looked around to make a possible play. You'd have to see it--I've looked with no success on youtube but will have to look again following latest unfortunate news. May be a stereotype to say that he 'took it like a man' but it was just one example of his total sportsmanship and commitment to the game.
I remember posting in here after said call and someone in the forum--can't recall who--actually heard me on the radio station. +8633 that said madjacker actually reads this but if you do then maybe you can recall if it was the perfecto or playoff no-no I was calling after...don't matter and if I can't remember then I can't expect another to recall.
A horrible loss, especially to those closest to him; my condolences.
I, for one, will remember you for the rest of my days, Roy.
Thanks for the memories.
RIP
