Roy Halladay's Jersey Retired in Philadelphia

August 09, 2021 ,

Hall of Fame pitcher Roy Halladay, who spent the last four years of his storied career in Philadelphia, was honored by the club this past Sunday as they retired his number 34. 

Halladay spent the first twelve years of his career with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he pitched against some of the toughest competition in the Major Leagues - going up against the powerhouse New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox lineups on a weekly basis. He went 148-76 as a Blue Jay, and earned six All-Star Game nominations as well as one Cy Young Award in 2003, as he dominated with a 22-7 record, an ERA of 3.25, while leading the Majors with 36 games started, 9 complete games and 2 shutouts. 

Following a trade to the Phillies for the 2010 season, Halladay put together a phenomenal first season in the City of Brotherly Love, winning his second Cy Young Award with a 21-10 record, 2.44 ERA, leading the Major Leagues with 250.2 innings pitched and 9 complete games. In his four seasons in Philly, he compiled a 55-29 record, including a regular season perfect game and only the second postseason no-hitter in MLB history. 

Halladay was a workhorse during an era when managing pitchers was starting to become more analytical and over-bearing. He consistently led his league in endurance statistics - four times he threw the most innings and seven times he was the complete games leader. In his career, he threw 67 complete games and while that doesn't compare to historical leaders in the category due to changes in baseball over time, he is still the leader in the category since 1998. He was an old school pitcher who wanted to finish every game he started. 

Former teammates were on hand to honor the right-hander from Colorado - Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard and Rual Ibanez amongst others. Carlos Ruiz, who caught Halladay in Philedlphia was the one who unveiled the number 34 statue, said:

It was special to be part of the ceremony, part of an incredible moment. It's an honor. He's always present and has a very dear place in my heart.
Following the pre-game ceremony, Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler went out and dominated in a fashion that was eerily similar to Halladay, as he threw a two-hit, complete game shutout of the New York Mets. 



Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports



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