Halladay Becomes Pitcher Perfect

Roy “Doc” Halladay finally did it.

Halladay, the ex-Jays pitcher, pitched a perfect game. There were no hits, walks or errors surrendered during his 1-0 victory over the Florida Marlins.

As one of the best pitchers to ever play in Canada, we all knew he was capable of this. Now, under the massive Philadelphia spotlight, all of North America reveres him as the greatest pitcher in the game.

In 1998, his second start ever, he took a no-hitter to the final out against Detroit in the final game of the season. The next batter, star player Bobby Higginson, hit a home run and the bid was exterminated. I was at that game and, as deflating as the feeling of coming so close is, everyone knew they had witnessed something special. Halladay was going places. Places uncharted by a Blue Jay, or even a former one.

Twelve years later, he’s won a Cy Young, has now pitched a perfect game and is looking to win his first World Series. It’s phenomenal.

We’re all proud of Halladay, and he’ll always have a home in Canada. Here’s hoping the Phillies go all the way this year.

— Josh Bailie