Teammates, coaches all fans of Halladay
On the day he announces his retirement, those who know Roy Halladay best sing his praises.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Former Phillies righthander Roy Halladay retired yesterday. Here are some comments from teammates and coaches, past and present:
"Roy Halladay is one of the most dominant, consistent professional pitchers I've ever had the privilege of playing with. He was a great teammate, but an even better father, friend and role model. He is one of those guys who is determined and driven to be great at whatever he does. I wish him and his family all the best."
- Raul Ibanez
"I know it must have been hard for Roy to make this decision to retire because I know how much he loved to play the game. Roy was, without a doubt, one of the greatest competitors I ever had the pleasure of being around."
- Charlie Manuel
"I'm very sad to see Roy retire but very happy to have been his teammate. He was a special player, and it was my great fortune to be able to watch him pitch. Hopefully he enjoys retirement."
- Jamie Moyer
"Roy was a great player and a very special friend. To have caught both his perfect game and playoff no-hitter is something I will remember for the rest of my life. I wish him and his family all the best in retirement."
- Carlos Ruiz
"He was one of the best competitors who ever played this game and taught everyone around him to prepare the right way in order to be the best. For me, personally, he helped me understand the game more and gave me insight on how to become a top of the line starting pitcher."
- Cole Hamels
"Roy was probably the best influence in my career. Being able to spend the last 4 years with him taught me what work ethic and commitment are all about. In my eyes, the game just lost the best pitcher of the last 10 years."
- Kyle Kendrick
"Roy was one of the best pitchers and students of the game I've ever had the honor of playing with. Hands down, he was the best pitcher of this era and a first ballot Hall of Famer."
- Roy Oswalt
"Roy Halladay is the ultimate competitor. He is by far the hardest worker that I've ever seen and treated every game as if it were his last. It was no coincidence why he was the best pitcher of his era. I'm honored to have had the opportunity to watch him pitch for 4 years. I'll miss his presence and passion but, most of all, I will miss his intensity."
- Chase Utley