The death of Roy Halladay shocked the baseball world. As expected, an outpouring of reaction began almost immediately upon the news breaking.
From Major League Baseball Commissioner, Rob Manfred:
“All of us at Baseball are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay. A well-respected figure throughout the game, Roy was a fierce competitor during his 16-year career, which included eight All-Star selections, two Cy Young Awards, a perfect game and a Postseason no-hitter.
“On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, including his wife, Brandy, and two sons, Ryan and Braden, his friends and countless fans, as well as the Blue Jays and Phillies organizations.”
From his teams:
Statement from the Blue Jays organization on the tragic passing of Roy Halladay: pic.twitter.com/Ih8D0RQE9p
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) November 7, 2017
Phillies statement on the sudden & tragic passing of Roy Halladay: pic.twitter.com/gGhv7JUKv0
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) November 7, 2017
From the Players Union:
Statement of #MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark on the passing of Roy Halladay. pic.twitter.com/nnSnjEO7CG
— MLBPA (@MLBPA) November 7, 2017
And from figures around the game who competed against him, played with him, learned from him or simply admired him:
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.
— Charlie Manuel (@CMBaseball41) November 7, 2017
“RIP Doc, but knowing you, rest is not in your vocabulary.” pic.twitter.com/rkT6l7fULa
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) November 7, 2017
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.
— Ryan Howard (@ryanhoward) November 7, 2017
By far the fiercest teammates I have ever been around with a heart of CHAMPION...sad we never got to win one together but will never forget this great night!!! Blessed to have been on the field to witness...Miss ya Brother https://t.co/W7t9CI14i0
— Shane Victorino (@ShaneVictorino) November 7, 2017
Heart is broken to hear about Roy Halladay .great friend, teammate, father and husband. One of the best teammates ever! You will be missed !
— Roy Oswalt (@royoswalt44net) November 7, 2017
RIP...Roy Halladay one of the greatest teammates I have had the privilege the play with. Our prayers are with his wife and 2 boys!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
— Kevin Millar (@KMillar15) November 7, 2017
In shock over the terrible news about Roy Halladay... a pitcher I grew up admiring & rooting for. Praying for his family & friends. #RIPDoc
— Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) November 7, 2017
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
— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) November 7, 2017
This is heartbreaking 🙏🏾🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/LGiPIzULvr
— CC Sabathia (@CC_Sabathia) November 7, 2017
Shocked and saddened... gone way too soon. One of the best ever. #RIPDoc
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) November 7, 2017
This was one of the greatest days of my life! Today is one of the toughest! #RIPBrother pic.twitter.com/VJzkZ3gpBM
— Mike Sweeney KCRoyal (@msween29) November 7, 2017
Heartbreaking #RIPDoc https://t.co/0OHpVExbfX
— Matt Capps (@MattCapps55) November 7, 2017
I had so much respect for @RoyHalladay before he made it big. No excuses ever. Never could respect a player more. I will miss you my friend. pic.twitter.com/5xo9wBIuGT
— Mark Guthrie (@markguthrie53) November 7, 2017
Everyone who plays baseball wishes they could be a small fraction like Doc Halladay. Such a great competitor, RIP.
— Brett Anderson (@_BAnderson30_) November 7, 2017
The best I've ever been around. Incredible athlete and more importantly, an incredible man. My… https://t.co/4ogBU5WthS
— AJ Burnett (@wudeydo34) November 7, 2017
I am shocked and saddened by the news of Roy Halladay. My prayers go out to his family during this difficult time...
— Eduardo Nunez (@EduardoNunez) November 7, 2017
Sad to see the news about Roy Halladay. My deepest condolences to his family.
— Nelson Cruz (@ncboomstick23) November 7, 2017
I’ll never forget how cool I️ felt on the night of my debut when Doc gave me shit while eating dinner postgame.. I️ decided to try and join in on conversation and he kindly reminded to that I️ had “2 ears and 1 mouth.” Felt like one of the boys right then and there in the show
— Cody Asche (@cody_smasche) November 7, 2017
Didn’t know him long, but he was the role model you would tell other role models to learn from. Sad to hear the news today, my prayers go out to his wife and family.
— Cody Asche (@cody_smasche) November 7, 2017
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.
— Jon Lester (@JLester34) November 7, 2017
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
— Andrew McCutchen (@TheCUTCH22) November 7, 2017
The only two pitchers I ever wanted
— Tim Dillard (@DimTillard) November 7, 2017
to play like was Nolan Ryan and Roy
Halladay. Heart hurts for Roy’s family.
The baseball world lost a giant today.
Roy Halladay touched the lives of countless Canadian youth.
— Jays Care Foundation (@JaysCare) November 7, 2017
Rest In Peace, Doc. Your legacy will live on forever. 💙 pic.twitter.com/hYImlQJeh0
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
— Daniel Norris (@DanielNorris18) November 7, 2017
Very sad to hear about this. Good man, great pitcher and competitor. My condolences to his family 🙏🏽 https://t.co/pLvgq8OrtC
— Yasiel Puig (@YasielPuig) November 7, 2017
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
— Jason Hammel (@HammelTime39) November 7, 2017
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..
— Jake Peavy (@JakePeavy_22) November 7, 2017
I only own like 5 signed jerseys, and I was so scared to ask him. He wrote that he liked watching ME pitch. What an honor pic.twitter.com/ufj4G8u5DD
— dan haren (@ithrow88) November 7, 2017
Roy Halladay's cap and ball from his 2010 perfect game. His legacy lives on in Cooperstown. Rest in peace, Doc. pic.twitter.com/PqASdhK8bf
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) November 7, 2017
We could go on and on with this forever, but the condolences and remembrances are coming in so fast. Here’s a good account to follow if you want to see the the sentiment of ballplayers and people in and around the game as news of Halladay’s death spreads.
