Former MLB pitcher Roy Halladay died in a plane crash on Tuesday afternoon, and the baseball corner of Twitter has reacted to mourn his passing.
News broke Tuesday afternoon of a plane registered to former MLB pitcher Roy Halladay crashing in the Gulf of Mexico, and a recovery effort that invites the worst news possible. He was confirmed as the pilot and the only passenger on the plane, and Halladay was confirmed dead at age 40 by local law enforcement.
Halladay retired from baseball following the 2013 season, after making just 13 starts during a shoulder injury-plagued season for the Philadelphia Phillies. He finished with 203 wins, 67 complete games and a 3.38 ERA over 16 seasons (1998-2013) with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Phillies. Halladay was an eight-time All-Star and won two Cy Young Awards (2003-AL, 2010-NL). He is one of six pitchers to win a Cy Young Award in both leagues, and he was not even eligible for the Hall of Fame yet.
Halladay will be remembered as a throwback ace and one of the last of a dying breed, particularly now with how bullpen use has altered the game and shortened outings for starters. He was also highly regarded and revered by teammates and media as well as current players, and Twitter reaction has been swift and wide to mourn Halladay’s passing.
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
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
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
Roy Halladay was an amazing baseball player, a second-to-none worker and, best of all, a genuine, good person in an industry without enough.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/ShaneVictorino/status/928011510940442624
Devastating. One of my favorite teammates ever. The blueprint for what a competitor looks like.
— Michael Young (@MikeyY626) November 7, 2017
RIP Roy Halladay. Heartbroken for his family
RIP Doc. I remember watching you in awe as a kid, your legacy will forever live on. Love those close to you. https://t.co/cMeiEXuCoV
— Lance McCullers Jr. (@lmccullers43) November 7, 2017
Absolutely devastated to hear of the death of Roy Halladay. Just sick. One of my favorite pitchers to ever watch. Prayers for his family...
— Brad Ziegler (@BradZiegler) November 7, 2017
Roy Halladay was one of the special people in this world. A beautiful man, driven by the pursuit of excellence. A HOF player & human being
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) November 7, 2017
I wanted to be Roy Halladay. I’m heartbroken, rest easy Doc.
— dan haren (@ithrow88) November 7, 2017
We were together in this journey as Canadian Baseball Hall of Famers, now you are gone. RIP Roy Halladay pic.twitter.com/x5Vv0r8djx
— Vladimir Guerrero (@VladGuerrero27) November 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/VernonWells10/status/928009633981222915
https://twitter.com/redturn2/status/928017410543595520
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
Devastating news re Roy Halladay. A great competitor, and an even better person. Humble, caring, charitable. RIP
— Dan Shulman (@DShulman_ESPN) November 7, 2017
I can’t believe it. So many times we competed against each other and even while competing, I wanted to see you! My condolences to his family https://t.co/q5VGqQvoDu
— Pedro Martinez (@45PedroMartinez) November 7, 2017
In complete shock right now. Thoughts and prayers to the entire Halladay. My heart goes out to you. A great competitor, even better person.
— RyanDempster (@Dempster46) November 7, 2017
Doc Halladay the Ultimate Warrior the hardest working teammate ever! I'm blessed to have spent time training with you!! #Trueleader
— Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35) 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
Halladay was born May 14, 1977, in Denver, Colorado. He leaves behind a wife (Brandy) and sons Ryan and Brayden. He had recently acquired the plane and obviously had an affinity for flying that he pursued with much of the same passion that he pursued being the best pitcher he could be during his career. Prayers go out to his family, friends and loved ones.