  Roy Halladay thanked Blue Jays fans in a full-page ad in the Toronto Sun on Tuesday. (QMI Agency/Greg Henkenhaf) |
Philadelphia is one lucky town.
It's a rare display of public gratitude from a superstar athlete but it's no surprise coming from former Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay.
The Cy Young Award-winning pitcher has taken out a full-page ad in today's Toronto Sun in which he thanks his former team and the fans here.
"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 says in the ad.
Halladay, who was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies last Wednesday after pitching in 12 seasons for the Blue Jays, says in the ad that "Toronto will forever hold a special place in my heart" and that the memories "will last a lifetime and so will my gratitude."
The six-time all-star was drafted into the Blue Jays organization in 1995 as the 17th overall pick and made his major-league debut on Sept. 20, 1998.
Since then the all-class "Doc" -- a nickname bestowed upon him by the late, legendary Jays broadcaster Tom Cheek -- has proved himself to be one of the game's great starters.
The 32-year-old Halladay, who always let his standout work on the mound speak for itself, said it would be impossible to thank all the people within the Jays' organization who have "made a wonderful and significant impact in my life."
But it's the fans here -- who haven't seen their ball club play a post-season game since 1993 -- who Halladay praises for their unwavering passion.
"I am sincerely grateful for the incredible support and compassion the Blue Jays fans have always shown me," he states in the ad. "I am in awe of your overwhelming passion."
Here's hoping Roy gets what he deserves during his time in City of Brotherly Love -- a World Series ring.
Unless of course, he finds himself in a rematch of the 1993 World Series.
BRETT.CLARKSON@SUNMEDIA.CA
