Halladay Thanks Jays Fans In Ad

Trax416 · Post #1 » by **Trax416** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 11:32 am

Roy Halladay took out an entire page ad in the Toronto Star today. The ad is posed as a hand written letter. It thanks all of the fans in Toronto, and he expresses how happy he was here, how much he appreciated the city, the fans and everything he experienced while playing for the Blue Jays.

It has to be one of the classiest things I have ever seen a sports figure do.

It just shows the difference in class between Roy and so many other athletes that have existed in Toronto history. Roy stayed here, and eventually wanted to leave to win. Which everyone can understand. However, he didn't do it like a snake, he didn't "stop trying", he played hard down to the last pitch. Not only did it pay off for him (he is now on the Phillies), but he went out like a man.

Hopefully, if Chris does decide to go, and leaves with the same class Roy did, and doesn't turn into Vince 2.0

MrBojangelz71 · Post #2 » by **MrBojangelz71** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 12:33 pm

There is zero comparison of Bosh to Vince. Regardless of of whether or not Bosh signs another contract or leaves for greener pastures, he has always given this franchise his all and has never tried to handcuff management into a trade.

Meursault · Post #3 » by **Meursault** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 12:47 pm

is there a link to the ad?

Post #4 » by **spykelee** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 1:01 pm

Though it's a rarity in this day and age, I really wouldn't expect anything less from the doc. Like mentioned he grew up in this orginization and was commited to staying here no matter how bad it seemingly ever got. He never mailed it in even near the end of last season. I'm sure he's going to go down as one of the all time favourite athletes in Toronto history. And unless he wins like 3-4 world series's I don't see how he could go into Canton with anything other than a blue jay hat on. It's where his heart is, and always will be. Class Act Doc, we'll certainly miss ya!

miruss2001 · Post #5 » by **miruss2001** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 1:29 pm

Greatest Jay ever in my books. I'll be in attendance the day we lift his number to the rafters.

whysoserious · Post #6 » by **whysoserious** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 1:44 pm

miruss2001 wrote:Greatest Jay ever in my books. I'll be in attendance the day we lift his number to the rafters.

Not just your books. Hands down the greatest player to put on a Jays Uniform. There are some good to great players that have played for the Jays but none that did what Doc did and for as long as he did. It's too bad we couldn't put a better on-field product around him. Haven't been to a Jays game in probably 15 yrs and don't really follow much anymore but when Doc pitched I'd always tune in if possible. If he ends up pitching in Toronto when the Phillies are in town, I will definitely go to that game.

Post #7 » by **OldNo7** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 2:48 pm

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4764006

Post #8 » by **Schad** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 2:57 pm

Here's hoping that he takes the mound when Philly is in town this summer, and is greeted by the full house and ovation that he deserves.

MerK · Post #9 » by **MerK** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 2:58 pm

Anyone have a photo of it at all? Twitpic etc?

lucky777s · Post #10 » by **lucky777s** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 3:23 pm

The only way Bosh could possibly be hated here is if he re-signs with the Raps for max money and then demands a trade by the deadline. That would be a lowball move by him just to get the contract.

He would say that he was giving BC another chance but that would be a lie because we have no flexibility to add anything to the roster.

That would be an AD, VC type move and he would be hated for it forever.

youngLion · Post #11 » by **youngLion** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 5:00 pm

Someone really needs to post a link with the complete page before I end up having to buy the paper.

t2thadot · Post #12 » by **t2thadot** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 5:04 pm

I'l go as far as saying that he has been the best athlete out of any professional sports in this city in the last decade.

MGD24 · Post #13 » by **MGD24** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 5:21 pm

http://twitpic.com/unk6p

youngLion · Post #14 » by **youngLion** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 5:23 pm

MGD24 wrote:http://twitpic.com/unk6p

Awesome thanks.

J-Roc · Post #15 » by **J-Roc** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 6:29 pm

Hmm, was that really by him? "Roy". I'm thinking Beeston did it and just asked for permission from Roy. Good guy Roy nonetheless. A letter can't really do much. What we know is he extended his contract here a couple of times showing he really really wanted to win here.

Test of Wills · Post #16 » by **Test of Wills** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 6:35 pm

"My wife Brandy, sons Braden and Ryan, and I would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Toronto Blue Jays organization, its incredible fans, and the City of Toronto," Halladay wrote in the ad.

"I feel blessed to have been part of the Blue Jays since 1995 and am extremely grateful for the opportunities it has provided. Throughout this past 15 years, there have been so many people within the organization that have made a wonderful and significant impact in my life, it would be impossible to name them all.

I am sincerely grateful for the incredible support and compassion the Blue Jays fans have always shown me. I am in awe of your overwhelming passion and devotion.

Toronto will forever have a special place in my heart.

The memories will last a lifetime and so will my gratitude.

Best regards, Roy"

http://tsn.ca/mlb/story/?id=303305