Leaving With Class

Roy Halladay, former pitcher of the Toronto Blue Jays, was, as reported, recently traded to the Phillies, being the first time he wore a jersey other than the Blue Jays one in more than a decade. Acknowledging the fact that he was a Blue Jay for his entire career until the trade had occurred, Roy Halladay stirred something up, a vow of gratitude, towards the faithful Jays fans.

In the December 22 issue of the Toronto Sun, the longtime Toronto ace showed his gratitude by taking out a one page ad. Stating how he thanks the Jays fans for being behind him through everything since he was picked up in 1995, it brought a smile to a lot of Jays fans, and if the Phillies were ever to face the Jays, whether it be through interleague play, or even a stretch, in the World Series, you can bet that Jays fans will give standing ovation after standing ovation, to possibly the classiest ball player in the league.

Yes, it is wonderful that someone does that for his former team. Yes, it is. However, if something must be taken out of this, it is that other players should take this route. This is something that less than a handful of athletes do for their beloved teams that have been behind them every step of the way, until the athlete's departure.

We barely see this kind of thing in sports. I mean, if you're an athlete, you don't have the time right? You're on a new team, so why care about the one you were just on? That's the thing though, that bothers me. That's the mentality that a lot of these athletes carry on, often causing a nasty breakup between the players, the teams, and of equal importance, the fans.

Furthermore, this isn't even an average player. You see a lot of gratitude from players in the league that aren't really stars. This is different because Roy is one of the game's best pitchers, if not the best. Definitely, the best pitcher in Jays history, it's something that athletes like Vince Carter could learn from.

It's the least you can do. Fans have been there for you ever since you came on the team, and have stood by you. They wear your number to mostly every game, and chant your name aloud. This is much more than you playing your hardest for the team. This is about how loyal you are to your fans, even after you have departed from them. Don't trash them, don't disrespect them, because things like that could, and will come back to haunt you.

That's why, whenever we think of the Toronto Blue Jays, we think of Roy Halladay, no matter what team he plays for. No matter if he wins a World Series title. It won't matter. He's the face of the franchise.

He's just a Canadian sports legend.