Friday's game between the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies had a moment that shows why Canadians have a reputation for being so nice. Former Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay brought out the lineup card for the Phillies and received a standing ovation from the big Canada Day crowd at Rogers Centre.
The roar from the stands was so loud that the always humble Halladay had no choice but to acknowledge it. Sporting an enormous grin on his face as he shook hands with the umpiring crew and Blue Jays coach Brian Butterfield, Halladay then tipped his cap and waved to the crowd.
Another standing ovation is surely coming Halladay's way when he takes the mound on Saturday against his former team.�Halladay's return to Toronto has been a eagerly anticipated event. His 12 years with the Blue Jays ?�which included 148 wins and a Cy Young Award in 2003 ?�are remembered fondly.
And it's not like Halladay left on bad terms. The Blue Jays weren't close to contention in the AL East and faced losing Halladay as a free agent after the 2010 season. Trading Halladay to a playoff contender and receiving an infusion of prospects to rebuild upon was mutually beneficial for both sides.
Despite Halladay's success with the Phillies ?which included another 20-win season, a perfect game, a no-hitter in the playoffs and another Cy Young Award ? Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos has no regrets about making the deal.
"I would say it wasn't the hardest trade I've had to make because I knew what the alternatives were," said the second-year GM. "It's a lot harder when you don't have to trade the guy, but really there was no choice. The right move for the organization, knowing he was going to leave, was to trade him."
Halladay was actually supposed to pitch at Rogers Centre with the Phillies last year, but the series was moved to Philadelphia because of security concerns over the G20 Summit that was also being held in Toronto at the same time.
Waiting a year to greet Halladay doesn't seem to have reduced any goodwill among Blue Jays fans. We'll see if that changes today, when Halladay will be delivering more than just the scorecard at Rogers Centre.
Jennifer Scholle Tatiana Zavialova Tila Tequila Tamie Sheffield Kelly Monaco
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