2019 Inductees

This evening we learned that four new players will be enshrined in Cooperstown during this summer's Induction Weekend.

Mariano Rivera became the first player in Hall of Fame history as the only player ever voted in unanimously by the Baseball Writers' Association. He'll be joined by Edgar Martinez and Mike Mussina, as well as my favorite baseball player of all time, the recently deceased Roy Halladay.

I already have Halladay's autograph, so my collection grows by one. This was a bittersweet announcement - I'm thrilled to see my favorite player inducted, saddened again that his life was cut short. 

Sad News

Heartbreaking news from the baseball world this week as two of baseball's greatest players lost their lives.

One of my all-time favorite players, Roy Halladay, was killed in a plane crash this week. His autograph was one of the first I ever received in the mail, from way back when he still played for the Blue Jays. His tragic death feels somehow more bitter and relatable given that I'm also a father with younger children. I'm not sure if Halladay will ever be elected to the Hall of Fame - I sure hope so!

Bobby Doerr, who had been baseball's oldest living Hall of Famer, also passed away recently, at the ripe old age of 99 years old. I was able to add Doerr's autograph several years ago - also through the mail - and he generously included both a signed index card and a yellow HoF plaque card.

My prayers go out to both families as they mourn and remember these losses. 

Roy Halladay (1977-2017)

Roy Halladay was easily my favorite Blue Jay during his tenure with the team.  While I was broken-hearted to see him go to the Phillies (and then pitch a perfect game this year), I still admire his ability from a distance.

I was in attendance at his second career start when he came within one out of throwing a no-hitter, and I watched him pitch incredible games on several occasions.  Through many up-and-down seasons of Blue Jay baseball, he was a constant bright spot.

I obtained this autograph through the mail.  I sent it to him care of the Jays, and included a return envelope, not knowing if I'd ever see it again.  It arrived autographed in thin sharpie (making it somewhat hard to read) several months later - much to my delight.

I really hope he enters the Hall of Fame one day, and if he does, I hope his plaque shows him with a Blue Jay cap on his head.


Edit (January 22, 2019) - Halladay was elected during his first year on the ballot, just two years after his tragic death. I'm considering attending the ceremony this summer.