In an era where many athletes have massive big headed ego’s (sometimes both literally and figuratively – see Barry Bonds), few are as deserving and as former Jay Roy Halladay.
While numerous others have won awards, and have pitched the no-no and the perfect game, Halladay’s achievement stands above many with his performance against Cincinnati last week. Here’s why:
When
Not only was it the post-season, it was Halladay’s FIRST post-season game! If that doesn’t say amazing and astonishing then what does? Playing great in the regular season game and doing great in the post-season are two completely different accomplishments. Need a better example? Okay, having 30 wings in one sitting is impressive, but having 30 wings in 15 minutes deserves more accolades.
How
Pretty much every pitcher who’s had a no-no or perfect game has had great defensive plays behind him, but Halladay’s pitches were hitting every corner. Don’t get me wrong, Jimmy Collins snag and throw to first was beautiful, as was Jayson Werth’s low catch in right field. But for Halladay, he had curveballs fooling hitters and making them look as confused George Bush talking about sovereignty. Former teammate Scott Rolen was a three time strikeout victim. The cutter hit the corners and the four seamer zoomed by batters. On top of that, he had a hit, run and RBI more then the entire Cincinnati Reds team.
Not bad for a guy who’s a lifetime .123 hitter.
Who
It’s Roy. In an era where major stars from Toronto teams have left for bigger money and have had their dedication questioned, Halladay remains as one of the few who arguably left after being dedicated to the franchise. Halladay stuck around and tried to make things happen, but left on not “good” terms with the Blue Jays faithful, but incredible terms!
To this day even when Vince Carter returns to the ACC, he’s met with boos curses and fans holding funny signs. The same is likely to happen for Chris Bosh. And just last night was Hedo “Ball” Turkoglu met with boos and jeers.
But for Halladay? After his no hitter against the Reds, the Blue Jays celebrated as if they won the World Series.
And in short, that’s what makes you want to cheer for Roy Halladay. A dedicated athlete who goes about his business in a quiet, humble and professional manner. While that used to be the norm, it is now refreshing to see an athlete so deserving get his dues.
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4 comments:
A lot of people were curious to see how Halladay would perform in his post-season, and he comes out with only the 2nd no-hitter in the history of baseball in the playoffs. The Phillies have an absolutely dominant rotation of three #1 starters, and Halladay vs Lee would be a great matchup in the World Series.
Unfortunately for Halladay and the Phillies, the SF Giants proved too big an obstacle to overcome.
If its any consolation (and it probably isn't) Lee and the Texas Rangers are getting swallowed up by the Giants, outscored 20-7 in the first two games of the Series and headed home with tails firmly tucked between their legs.
I know Canadian baseball fans are supposed to find some kind of bitter sweet joy out of watching Doc pitch in the post-season but . . .
I actually cheered against him. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't cheering for Cincy or San Fran; I was cheering directly against Doc.
I just don't buy the whole, "he deserves to be in the playoffs" mantra that grew to sickening levels in Canadian media. Whatever happened to taking responsibility of getting the team you're on into the show?
I know I'm a bitter man. I know it would just be easier to follow the rest of the lemmings off the cliff. But come on, Halliday was compensated very well for his time in Toronto. The organization didn't owe him anything.
Teams earn their way to the playoffs. Roy may have been the greatest pitcher in franchise history but he and his Toronto mates didn't earn their way to the post-season.
I think I prefer to watch Toronto media and fans chase their superstars out of town, its less sickening to watch.
Ok, I'm done.
I'll go back under the bridge now.
Regards,
Happy Slide
And now he has been awarded the much deserved Cy Young award, as he so much deserved. He's a great story. Looking forward to more many successful years from him.
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