Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Roy Halladay

Discover the career path of Roy Halladay, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Roy Halladay, nicknamed "Doc", was a dominant MLB pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies from 1998-2013. An eight-time All-Star, he's considered one of baseball's all-time greats, known for his exceptional durability. Halladay led the league in complete games seven times, the most of any pitcher after 1945. He also topped the league in strikeout-to-walk ratio five times and innings pitched four times, solidifying his legacy as a premier pitcher of his era.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1995: Drafted by the Blue Jays

In 1995, Roy Halladay was drafted 17th overall by the Toronto Blue Jays in the MLB draft after pitching at Arvada West High School.

September 27, 1998: Near No-Hitter

On September 27, 1998, in his second career start, Roy Halladay nearly pitched a no-hitter against the Detroit Tigers, with the no-hitter broken up with two outs in the ninth inning. He recorded his first major league win in a 2-1 victory.

1998: Major league debut

In 1998, Halladay made his major league debut, nearly pitching a no-hitter in his second career start.

1998: Promotion to Major League Club

In 1998, Roy Halladay was promoted to the major-league club as a September call-up.

2000: Demotion to the minor leagues

After struggling in 2000, Halladay was demoted to the low minor leagues to rework his delivery and pitching.

2001: Rebuilding Delivery

At the beginning of the 2001 season, Halladay was optioned to Class-A Dunedin to rebuild his delivery. He worked with Mel Queen to alter his arm angle and add pitches.

2002: Established Elite Starting Pitcher

In 2002, Halladay established himself as a durable, elite starting pitcher, earning his first All-Star selection.

2002: Breakout Season

In 2002, Roy Halladay had a breakout season, finishing with a 19–7 record, a 2.93 ERA, and 168 strikeouts. He was also named to the American League All-Star team.

2003: Cy Young Award

In 2003, Roy Halladay had a 22–7 record with a 3.25 ERA. He won the American League Cy Young Award and was named an All-Star. He was also named the Sporting News AL Pitcher of the Year and the Baseball Prospectus Internet Baseball Awards AL Cy Young Award winner.

March 16, 2006: Contract Extension

On March 16, 2006, Roy Halladay signed a three-year, $40 million contract extension through 2010.

July 11, 2008: Complete game shutout

On July 11, 2008, Halladay pitched his seventh complete game and second shutout of the season against the New York Yankees.

2008: Blue Jays' Nominee for Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award

In 2008, Roy Halladay was nominated by the Blue Jays for the Players Choice Awards Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award, recognizing his work with underprivileged children.

2008: Opening Day Starter

In 2008, for the sixth consecutive year, Roy Halladay was Toronto's opening-day starter, improving his own club record. He lost 3–2 to the New York Yankees.

April 6, 2009: Opening Day Start

On April 6, 2009, Roy Halladay made his team-record seventh straight Opening Day start for Toronto, defeating the Detroit Tigers.

July 2009: Phillies' Failed Attempt to Acquire Halladay

In July 2009, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. unsuccessfully attempted to get Roy Halladay at the non-waiver trade deadline, and then traded for Cliff Lee instead.

December 15, 2009: Halladay Traded to Phillies

On December 15, 2009, the Blue Jays traded Roy Halladay to the Philadelphia Phillies for minor league prospects Travis d'Arnaud, Kyle Drabek, and Michael Taylor. Halladay agreed to a contract extension worth US$60 million, including a US$20 million vesting option for a fourth season.

2009: Led AL in Complete Games Through 2009

Through 2009, Roy Halladay led the AL in complete games, which he accomplished five times in seven seasons.

May 29, 2010: Halladay Throws Perfect Game

On May 29, 2010, Roy Halladay pitched the 20th perfect game in MLB history against the Florida Marlins in Miami, retiring all 27 batters and striking out 11. It was the first time in the modern era that two pitchers had thrown perfect games in the same month and that multiple perfect games had been achieved in the same season.

October 6, 2010: Halladay Pitches Postseason No-Hitter

On October 6, 2010, in his first postseason appearance, Roy Halladay pitched a no-hitter (his second of the season), against the Cincinnati Reds in the first game of the National League Division Series (NLDS).

October 2010: Halladay Wins Best Moment ESPY Award

In October 2010, Roy Halladay won the Best Moment ESPY Award for his postseason no-hitter.

2010: Halladay's Perfect Game

In 2010, Roy Halladay pitched a perfect game.

2010: Contract Conclusion

Roy Halladay's three-year, $40 million contract extension concluded in 2010.

2010: Traded to the Phillies and Cy Young Award

Traded to the Phillies before the 2010 season, Halladay pitched a perfect game, a postseason no-hitter, and won the National League Cy Young Award.

April 24, 2011: Halladay Strikes Out 14 Against Padres

On April 24, 2011, Roy Halladay struck out 14 and allowed just five hits as his team swept the San Diego Padres, winning 3–1.

2011: Led NL in Complete Games

In 2011, Halladay led the NL in complete games.

2012: Bryce Harper debuts with Washington Nationals wearing #34

In 2012, Bryce Harper made his debut with the Washington Nationals, wearing uniform number 34.

April 3, 2013: Halladay's First Start of the Season

On April 3, 2013, after struggling in spring training, Roy Halladay gave up five runs in his first start in the Phillies' second game, striking out nine in 3+1⁄3 innings pitched.

April 14, 2013: Halladay Records 200th Career Win

On April 14, 2013, after struggling in his prior starts, Roy Halladay pitched eight innings allowing just one run against the Miami Marlins, whom the Phillies defeated 2–1. Halladay recorded his 200th career win in the game.

May 14, 2021: Roy Halladay Field Announced

On May 14, 2021, on what would've been Roy Halladay's 44th birthday, Jays Care Foundation announced the naming of Toronto's first accessible baseball diamond as Roy Halladay Field.