Former teammates react to Roy Halladay's retirement

Former Phillies ace Roy Halladay retired on Monday afternoon. He spent four seasons in Philadelphia, where he won a Cy Young, and threw a perfect game as well as a postseason no-hitter.

Here is what a few of Halladay's former teammates had to say about him:

Cole Hamels: "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."

Chase Utley: "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 four years. I'll miss his presence and passion but, most of all, I will miss his intensity."

Kyle Kendrick: "Roy was probably the best influence in my career. Being able to spend the last four 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."

Carlos Ruiz: "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."

Charlie Manuel: "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."

Rich Dubee: "Roy was the most prepared, ferociously competitive pitcher I've ever been around and was the epitome of professionalism. How he conversed with people and treated his teammates was something I really admired about him. He did it all. He and Jamie Moyer are the most demanding pitchers I've ever had. They wanted to get better every time out and if you look at Roy's numbers, having played in the AL East all those years, winning two Cy Youngs, pitching a perfect game and a postseason no-hitter, he should absolutely get strong consideration for the Hall of Fame."

Jamie Moyer: "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 and watch him pitch. Hopefully he enjoys retirement."

Raúl Ibañez: "Roy Halladay is one 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."

Roy Oswalt: "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."