Blue Jays give Roy Halladay proper send-off

The Toronto Blue Jays gave Canada’s adopted son Roy Halladay a classy send-off prior to their disappointing Opening Day loss at the hands of the Yankees.

The emotional ceremony featured Doc’s family and former teammates as 48,115 onlookers fought back tears while they reminisced and paid tribute to one of the very best to ever pitch north of the border. Halladay epitomized professionalism, leadership, and class on and off the field throughout his entire career.

Roy Halladay was not only enshrined on the Level of Excellence but the Blue Jays also retired the hurler’s number #32 in the rafters next to Roberto Alomar‘s number #12. The likes of Chris Carpenter, Paul Quantrill, Scott Rolen and Jose Cruz Jr. were just a few of Doc’s former teammates who made the trek to Toronto for the moment.

The most touching moment came when “Isaac Mcfadyen” was introduced, Halladay and the young lad became buddies through the Halladay family charity “Doc’s Box”. Mcfadyen who suffers from a rare disease called MPS6 walked onto the field and gave Brandy Halladay a huge hug triggering a mass waterworks throughout the dome.

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Halladay passed away tragically at the age of 40 while flying his plane in Florida this offseason. The former Blue Jay left behind his wife Brandy and two teenage sons Braden and Ryan. The boys were on hand for the ceremony with their mother and were presented a gift from Blue Jays manager John Gibbons. The boys also escorted the game ball to the mound before the opening pitch.

Braden who was born in Toronto suited up for the Canadian National Junior team a few weeks earlier and pitched a scoreless inning versus the Jays. It would be quite fitting if the Jays select the young Halladay in the MLB amateur draft when the times comes, Braden is currently committed to Penn State University.

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The game that followed was forgettable, however, there was nothing forgettable about the classy send-off for one of the games all-time greats. Doc may be gone but his legacy will live on at the Rogers Centre for eternity. Rest in Peace #32