Remembering Roy Halladay: Top 5 moments from former Phillies and Blue Jays ace’s career

Former MLB ace Roy Halladay died on Tuesday in a plane crash in the Gulf of Mexico.

In case you haven’t heard the news, former Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays star pitcher Roy Halladay has tragically passed away in a plane crash in the Gulf of Mexico. We’re all still mourning the loss of Halladay, so I figured the best way I could show my appreciation for him is to write this article on the best moments of his career.

Halladay was an eight-time All-Star and two-time Cy Young Award winner. He was a once in a lifetime pitcher, who won over the hearts of Philadelphia sports fans in more ways than one.  It’s easy to love a great athlete, but Philly fans didn’t just love him because of his on field success.

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In a way, Halladay was the definition of a professional athlete in a world that seems to lack professionals in sports. Halladay was the humblest of athletes. He worked the hardest, and wanted the least amount of credit possible. He was an amazing role model who will forever be remembered for his selfless words and actions throughout his life. So to honor Halladay, let’s take a look back at some of his best moments.

5. Halladay tosses 10-inning complete game

Halladay threw 67 complete games in his career, but only one of them went to extra innings. That game was on Sept. 27, 2003, when he only threw 99 pitches across 10 innings in a fantastic showcase of his dominant control. Halladay surrendered only three hits to the Tigers that day, and walked off the field victorious.

4. Halladay says goodbye to Toronto

Trade talks were swirling around Halladay during the 2009 season, and it became clear that the Blue Jays were ready to move on from their ace pitcher. In Halladay’s last start at the Rogers Centre (where he graciously setup “Doc’s Box,” which was a space for children from the Hospital of Sick Children and their families to come enjoy Blue Jays’ games in a child friendly environment), he threw his 15th career shutout in a 5-0 rout of the Seattle Mariners. The Blue Jays’ faithful gave him a standing ovation as he tipped his cap one final time in Toronto.

3. Halladay pitches through pain

Facing elimination in Game 5 of the NLCS in 2010, the Phillies turned to their ace to help them survive for another game. In the second inning, Halladay pulled his groin, but courageously remained in the game. Halladay saved the day by pitching through the pain, and threw six quality innings in order to help the Phillies survive and travel home for Game 6. Following the game Charlie Manuel said, “He wasn’t going to let us take him out.” Halladay had that fire and determination to win unlike any other athlete I’ve ever seen in Philadelphia.

2. Halladay becomes 20th pitcher to throw a perfect game

On May 29, 2010, in front of dozens of people at Sun Life Stadium, Halladay became the 20th pitcher in MLB history to toss a perfect game. He struck out 11 batters as the Phillies hung on to a 1-0 defeat of the Florida Marlins. Halladay became the second pitcher in Phillies history to throw a perfect game. After the game, Halladay gave Carlos Ruiz all the credit by saying:

"“I can’t say enough about the job Ruiz did tonight, really. I felt like he was calling a great game up until the fourth or fifth, and at that point, I’d just felt like I’d let him take over and go with him. He did a great job. Like I said, it was kind of a no-brainer for me. I’d just go out, see the glove, and hit it.”"

1. Halladay tosses second no-hitter in MLB postseason history

In his first ever postseason appearance, Halladay inked his name in the record book forever. On Oct. 6, 2010, in Game 1 of the NLDS, Halladay threw a no-hitter against the star-studded Cincinnati Reds. This game solidified him as a Philadelphia legend, as. this performance put him in very good company in the record books. Halladay and Don Larsen are the only pitchers to throw no-hitters in the postseason. He was also the first pitcher since Nolan Ryan in 1973 to throw two no-hitters in one season, and the seventh pitcher to throw a perfect game and no-hitter in his career.

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We welcome comments below about your favorite moment Halladay had in his storied MLB career. Roy’s wife Brandy, two sons Braden and Ryan, and other family members remain in our prayers. Rest in peace, Halladay, you will be missed.