Roy Halladay’s Legacy: Remembering a Toronto Blue Jays Icon

Few names in Toronto Blue Jays history command as much respect as Roy Halladay. On what would have been his 48th birthday, Blue Jays fans continue to reflect on his legendary career, remembering the dominant right-hander who defined an era of excellence.

In the latest episode of Jay Bird Watching Podcast, hosts Craig Borden, Jason Lyons, and guest JJ of (https://rivalbaseball.ca/) shared personal stories about Halladay, comparing him to other Blue Jays pitching greats and emphasizing his lasting impact.

For the full podcast episode, please go to youtube.com/@birdwatchinggc and subscribe for future updates. Audio can be found on any site you receive your podcast pleasures from as well.

Meeting the Legend: A Personal Encounter with Halladay

Host Craig Borden recalled a memorable encounter with Halladay outside a local coffee shop near the SkyDome (Rogers Centre). Sitting with his dad, Craig was stunned to realize the Blue Jays ace had casually walked in—something he apparently did regularly at that very spot.

Rather than being unapproachable, Halladay greeted them with his trademark humility, asking if they were from out of town before engaging in conversation. Later that day, they witnessed Halladay dominate on the mound, further cementing his status as one of Toronto’s greatest pitchers.

Halladay vs. Dave Stieb: Who’s the Blue Jays’ GOAT?

When discussing Blue Jays pitching history, two names consistently rise to the top: Roy Halladay and Dave Stieb. Both were generational talents, capable of carrying the team on their backs during their respective eras.

Halladay’s Cy Young Award-winning dominance, complete games, and fearless work ethic made him a fan favorite. Meanwhile, Stieb’s seven All-Star appearances and first and only Blue Jays no-hitter make him a strong contender for greatest Blue Jays pitcher ever.

Podcast guest JJ of Rival Baseball emphasized how special Halladay was, acknowledging that even though he later played for Philadelphia, his time with Toronto remains unforgettable.

Halladay’s Humility and Lasting Impact

Many former Blue Jays have spoken about Halladay’s work ethic, leadership, and humility. Jason Lyons noted that teammates were in awe of his relentless preparation, often learning from his dedication to mastering his craft.

Stories from Halladay’s time with Philadelphia reveal similar admiration—he wasn’t just a superstar pitcher, but an incredible teammate and mentor.

Had his career lasted longer, many believe Halladay could have transitioned into coaching, influencing the next generation of pitchers. His tragic passing in 2017 left a void in baseball, but his legacy remains stronger than ever.

Roy Halladay’s greatness extends beyond his stellar statistics—it’s rooted in his leadership, dedication, and impact on the game. Whether remembered for his time in Toronto or his postseason heroics in Philadelphia, his name remains synonymous with elite pitching.

As Blue Jays fans continue honoring his legacy, Halladay’s influence lives on in the hearts of those who watched him dominate on the mound.

Make sure you check out the full podcast episode if you enjoyed this excerpt from the discussion. http://youtube.com/@birdwatchinggc