12 Life Lessons from Pitcher Roy Halladay, a Class Act Both On and Off the Mound
I always loved watching Roy Halladay pitch. There was just something about his delivery and demeanor that showed he was no average ballplayer. Oh, and throwing that perfect game in May, 2010 and another no-hitter in the same season. Those, his Cy Young awards and many other victories sealed Halladay’s fate as an MLB legend.
Yesterday, after hearing the heartbreaking news of his death, I began reading through hundreds of tweets from Halladay and those touched by him. His own observations about life and the poignant tributes of others made it clear that there was much more to the right handed hurler than his arsenal of pitches. Roy truly “walked the walk,” demonstrating so many positive traits that we hope and pray to instill in our own kids.
If your young ballplayers don’t know much about “Doc” Halladay except that he was a great pitcher who tragically passed away yesterday, share this post with them. His good character was just as impactful as his accomplishments on the diamond. Actually, more.
Success requires a strong work ethic.
My deepest condolences to the Halladay family during this difficult time. The world lost a great one too early today #RIP34 pic.twitter.com/njBOuXZ9FW
— Max Scherzer (@Max_Scherzer) November 7, 2017
“MY HEART HURTS WRITING THIS.”
Chase Utley reacts to death of @RoyHalladay #RIPDochttps://t.co/1e4sdZxr2W pic.twitter.com/72Q15ZnbeW
— CBS Philly (@CBSPhilly) November 7, 2017
Show sincere gratitude to those who help you along the way.
Charlie Manuel tweeted this picture of the watch @RoyHalladay gave the entire team after throwing his perfect game. “We did it together” #RIPDoc pic.twitter.com/Qgw7VLxyiD
— Jamie Apody (@JamieApody) November 8, 2017
Choose humility over ego. Always!
#RoyHalladay A class act both on and off the diamond. pic.twitter.com/upOPqamsnA
— Patrick Jachyra (@PatrickJachyra) November 8, 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
Prayers sent 2 Roy Halladays family and friends-So sad-I met him once-we talked for 30 minutes and he made me feel like we were best friends
— Steve Springer (@qualityatbats) November 8, 2017
Be loyal to your roots.
At the end of his baseball career, after a stellar four-year run with the Philadelphia Phillies, Halladay signed a one-day ceremonial contract with his beloved Toronto Blue Jays so that he could retire as a Blue Jay.
This quote on retiring as a Jay helps explain why #BlueJays fans still revered him after trade to #Phillies. His heart was always in Toronto pic.twitter.com/Kv37YeQNIm
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) November 8, 2017
Everyone wrestles with fear, even the world’s greatest athletes.
#RoyHalladay ‘s twitter bio and background photo has me shook pic.twitter.com/0qF9K4KNRU
— Salah Fatah (@Salahfatah94) November 8, 2017
Share your gifts with others.
I love the Players & Parents of our Florida Burn! They keep proving why they’re the best team on the field but more important the classiest! pic.twitter.com/4agAeCO4wY
— Roy Halladay (@RoyHalladay) November 6, 2017
Burn tryouts 12u, 13u, 14u tomorrow Calvery HS 10-2!! Need 12u players!! This team will go to Cooperstown Dream Park next summer!! #Amazing! pic.twitter.com/Bh9NwNb6Tk
— Roy Halladay (@RoyHalladay) August 25, 2017
Believe in a power greater than yourself.
You’ll be missed @RoyHalladay Great father, great husband, great person, and Faithful Christian. Prayers for all who love you. #RoyHalladay
— Teddy Sandman (@TeddySandman) November 8, 2017
Take time out for laughter and lightheartedness.
Oopps you missed me! Walked right by me! Hope he gets to see his pic with me on Twitter, he doesn’t know we took this pic.twitter.com/CHgFlVfafm
— Roy Halladay (@RoyHalladay) January 11, 2015
I’m no mechanic butt I see the problem! There is a crack on the bottom below the cylinder heads!! #aopa pic.twitter.com/MUAVMODzdm
— Roy Halladay (@RoyHalladay) January 22, 2016
Be generous with your time and your wealth.
My team the 11u Factr (finding a cure thru recruiting) who sponsor a child w/ cancer won their tourney today! Proud! pic.twitter.com/ATRdb8hn4a
— Roy Halladay (@RoyHalladay) October 11, 2015
At the charity bowling event for Suncoast Animal League last night I got pleasure of meeting Trevor! He a big fan! pic.twitter.com/clWUMaakef
— Roy Halladay (@RoyHalladay) July 19, 2015
Choose to see the positive in every situation.
Life is all about perspective and how you choose to see things and your attitude toward them! Broke down on the Hwy or a day at the beach? pic.twitter.com/J4ifpTbXPv
— Roy Halladay (@RoyHalladay) September 22, 2017
You can tell a lot about a person by how they treat animals.
Flew a Dog Rescue trip to Alabama for two 5m old puppies who’s ears were cut off w/ scissors to prep them as practice for dog fighting!! SAD pic.twitter.com/A6EYYFGoT5
— Roy Halladay (@RoyHalladay) September 26, 2016
Priceless! This neglected mother of 8 was anemic when we got her! Now 15 lbs later she tries to sleep with her food! pic.twitter.com/Qh35qfoIM5
— Roy Halladay (@RoyHalladay) December 9, 2015
Choose your priorities wisely.
Cole Hamels on Roy Halladay pic.twitter.com/0NYqk2E9aC
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) November 7, 2017
.@RGriffinStar pens a lovely tribute to a man who excelled at his craft, but whose love for family eclipsed any baseball accomplishment. #RoyHalladay https://t.co/P7VTQdT7iZ
— Laura Armstrong (@lauraarmy) November 8, 2017
Rest in peace, Doc. May your legacy of hard work, friendship, teamwork, kindness, generosity and humility inspire many generations of ballplayers (and anyone else with a heart).
