It’s one of the truly saddest things that someone can’t know the impact they’ve had, or how much they were beloved, until they’re no longer around to see it. The outpouring of love, grief, and memories after the tragic death of Roy Halladay on Tuesday has been almost immeasurable. I hope Roy knew how much people loved him, and what an impact he had on baseball — not just with the people he played with, but with the people who watched him play.
There is almost too much to account for. Statements from former teammates and managers, tweets with pictures and memories, stories from media members, it’s overwhelming how much Halladay was loved and respected.
Below is a highlight collection of tweets from those people. (It’s not meant to be an exhaustive catalog.) We’ll start with his Phillies teammates, and where else to start but with his Phillies skipper and friend, Charlie Manuel.
I’m stunned to silence over the news of Roy Halladay. My thoughts and heart are with Brandy and the boys. Rest In Peace my friend.
— Charlie Manuel (@CMBaseball41) November 7, 2017
Charlie Manuel
— John Clark NBCPhilly (@JClarkNBCS) November 8, 2017
“Roy was the best competitor I’d ever seen. It was an honor to have managed him. His contributions to the Phillies can’t be measured. Roy was like a brother to me and we remained close after his playing days. I’m heartbroken for Brandy and the boys”#RIPDoc pic.twitter.com/k6VCYExas3
Get ready to feel some feelings, friends.
“RIP Doc, but knowing you, rest is not in your vocabulary.” pic.twitter.com/rkT6l7fULa
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) November 7, 2017
There’s a “Doc wakes up God with his exercise routine” joke in here somewhere, I just can’t seem to find it.
One night I️ will never forget the intensity he pitched with and carried us to a victory all he did was compliment Chooch on calling a great game taking minimal credit...that’s who he was https://t.co/ZXFZsRRtY8
— Shane Victorino (@ShaneVictorino) November 7, 2017
By far the fiercest teammates I have ever been around with a heart of CHAMPION...sad we never got to win one together but will never forget this great night!!! Blessed to have been on the field to witness...Miss ya Brother https://t.co/W7t9CI14i0
— Shane Victorino (@ShaneVictorino) November 7, 2017
Shane Victorino loves exclamation points. But that’s who he is, and we love him anyway.
Heart broken- Roy was always the guy I looked up to in little league, in high school, in the bigs. So lucky to have been his teammate. Incredible husband, incredible dad, we will miss you Doc!
— Brad Lidge (@SlidersNSaves54) November 7, 2017
Devastated by the tragic loss of Roy Halladay. Best, most consistent pitcher ever. Tremendous teammate. Loving father. Great person. Prayers
— Raúl Ibañez (@RaulIbanezMLB) November 7, 2017
Remember Mike Sweeney? His big smiles and even bigger hugs? He was great.
This was one of the greatest days of my life! Today is one of the toughest! #RIPBrother pic.twitter.com/VJzkZ3gpBM
— Mike Sweeney KCRoyal (@msween29) November 7, 2017
And Brian Schneider! He’s got memories of the same moment.
Here’s another trip down memory lane: Michael Young. I regret making fun of him so much on this website back in the day, because he’s a truly awesome dude. His Twitter feed is excellent in general, and he chose the perfect story to share.
I’ll never forget Aug ‘13. Doc and I were two months away from retirement. He was hurt, clearly. He was still pitching tho. One day in Wrigley he was throwing 83, and all over the place. I go to the mound and he just said “everything hurts.”
— Michael Young (@MikeyY626) November 7, 2017
He wouldnt come out. Always fighting.
When people ask me if I could re-live any moment in baseball-1 that I always say would be to watch Doc pitch again! Today my heart goes out to Brandy and the boys. He was a great husband, father, friend and teammate. Such a special man! You will be forever missed! #RoyHalladay
— Cole Hamels (@ColeHamels) November 8, 2017
Cole Hamels on Roy Halladay pic.twitter.com/0NYqk2E9aC
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) November 7, 2017
Cole also spoke to the media about Roy, from Citizens Bank Park. John Stolnis will have coverage of that later today, but here’s a clip.
Cole Hamels on @RoyHalladay : "We really, really are going to miss him." #RipDochttps://t.co/Riv09rpua0 pic.twitter.com/aStbE6rbnI
— CBS Philly (@CBSPhilly) November 8, 2017
My heart hurts.
Oh boy, this is the one we’ve been waiting for.
Please find the attached statement from Chooch on the loss of his friend and battery-mate, Roy Halladay. pic.twitter.com/lwnUGXCjLb
— Marc Kligman (@MLBAgent) November 8, 2017
Oh, Chooch.
Here are longer statements from several Phillies players, some of which you’ve already seen above, but others are new.
Statements from former #Phillies players and coaches, plus Charlie Manuel and Ruben Amaro Jr. on the loss of Roy Halladay... pic.twitter.com/LbwSfb0tUm
— Michael Baron (@michaelgbaron) November 8, 2017
You probably don’t need to be reminded of how good Roy Halladay was, but here are a few tweets about that anyway.
Roy Halladay made his @MLB debut in 1998. He still has the most complete games since then: 67.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 7, 2017
How great was Roy Halladay in his prime (2002-11)? Here's how great:
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) November 8, 2017
His teams' record when he started: 87 games over .500 (195-108)
His teams' record when anyone else started: 24 UNDER .500 (646-670)!
Difference in win percentage: 153 points. Incredible
Below are tweets from other players, journalists, and friends.
The sadness across baseball right now is overwhelming. Roy Halladay was who everyone wanted to be.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 7, 2017
On the day Roy Halladay retired, he said: “My goal is to try and leave baseball better than I found it." That's the essence of who he was.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 7, 2017
I wanted to be Roy Halladay. I’m heartbroken, rest easy Doc.
— dan haren (@ithrow88) November 7, 2017
I only own like 5 signed jerseys, and I was so scared to ask him. He wrote that he liked watching ME pitch. What an honor pic.twitter.com/ufj4G8u5DD
— dan haren (@ithrow88) November 7, 2017
Every pitcher tried to imitate him, no hitter wanted to face him, and everybody liked him. RIP Roy Halladay
— Joe Posnanski (@JPosnanski) November 7, 2017
I lost a great friend today. All love Roy!!! #RoyHalladay pic.twitter.com/DVdhLDnbcQ
— Kenny Chesney (@kennychesney) November 7, 2017
— Kenny Chesney (@kennychesney) November 7, 2017
Cincinnati Reds 10–6-10. A favorite page from the scorebook. pic.twitter.com/PkFS50siCF
— Bob Ford (@bobfordsports) November 8, 2017
Roy Halladay was your favorite player's favorite player. A true ace and a wonderful person. Heartbroken for those who knew him best.
— Brandon McCarthy (@BMcCarthy32) November 7, 2017
I can’t believe it. So many times we competed against each other and even while competing, I wanted to see you! My condolences to his family https://t.co/q5VGqQvoDu
— Pedro Martinez (@45PedroMartinez) November 7, 2017
Fans have started a memorial for Roy Halladay outside of the Third Base Gate at Citizens Bank Park.
— Phillies (@Phillies) November 8, 2017
Today, we will remember Doc through the words of his teammates and friends. #RIPDoc pic.twitter.com/5P8QPjrVlT
And here’s one final tweet that legitimately made me weep.
I would post this poem whenever Halladay had one of his classic 2-hit complete games. I posted it when he retired. Here it is again. pic.twitter.com/oNmmYWfWZR
— DB (@dlbno) November 7, 2017
I thought I ran out of tears yesterday. Turns out I was wrong.