Honouring Roy `Doc`Halladay
Most of the sporting world is mourning the death of Doc Halladay today after his plane crashed yesterday. As well they should. Doc Halladay was not only one of the most successful pitchers in Blue Jays history, he was likely one of the most successful pitchers in Major League Baseball. A man with so many awards he was destined to be in the Hall of Fame of his first year of eligibility.
In reality, humanity should be mourning the loss of Roy Halladay. He was a man who truly got the purpose of life. Yes, he was proud of his professional accomplishments, but he was perhaps more proud of his role as husband and father. So many professional athletes in the spot-light are involved in scandal, but, yet it is hard to find someone who knew Halladay who didn`t describe him as ``just a really nice guy``.
The humility of the man is unbelievable. He would have excelled as an athlete anywhere but for some reason he credited the Toronto Blue Jays for his success. He loved the city of Toronto and his gifts to the city are many. Even after he was traded, his heart never left Toronto. When it was time for him to retire, he signed a one day contract with the Jays so that he would officially retire as a Toronto Blue Jay and when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, it would be as a Toronto Blue Jay.
He has been described as a genius on the mound and his work ethic was as big as his heart. Yet, he remained the ``aw shucks`` kind of guy that just happened to be in the right place at the right time.
The most important lesson that Roy Halladay taught us is the importance of giving back. Every community in which he resided, he left better. He freely gave his funds to charity. He freely gave his time and energy to a variety of causes. Giving back. A true class act. If we truly want to honour Halladay`s memory, I think we have an obligation to look at our own lives. Are we giving back as much as we should. Could we follow in his example and give more. If we feel we are doing our part, can we challenge those among us to do their share as well and give back. I believe if we all give back a little more, Doc Halladay will truly rest in peace.
In reality, humanity should be mourning the loss of Roy Halladay. He was a man who truly got the purpose of life. Yes, he was proud of his professional accomplishments, but he was perhaps more proud of his role as husband and father. So many professional athletes in the spot-light are involved in scandal, but, yet it is hard to find someone who knew Halladay who didn`t describe him as ``just a really nice guy``.
The humility of the man is unbelievable. He would have excelled as an athlete anywhere but for some reason he credited the Toronto Blue Jays for his success. He loved the city of Toronto and his gifts to the city are many. Even after he was traded, his heart never left Toronto. When it was time for him to retire, he signed a one day contract with the Jays so that he would officially retire as a Toronto Blue Jay and when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, it would be as a Toronto Blue Jay.
He has been described as a genius on the mound and his work ethic was as big as his heart. Yet, he remained the ``aw shucks`` kind of guy that just happened to be in the right place at the right time.
The most important lesson that Roy Halladay taught us is the importance of giving back. Every community in which he resided, he left better. He freely gave his funds to charity. He freely gave his time and energy to a variety of causes. Giving back. A true class act. If we truly want to honour Halladay`s memory, I think we have an obligation to look at our own lives. Are we giving back as much as we should. Could we follow in his example and give more. If we feel we are doing our part, can we challenge those among us to do their share as well and give back. I believe if we all give back a little more, Doc Halladay will truly rest in peace.
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