Two-time Cy Young winner and dominant force in the AL East for most of his career Roy Halladay will retire from MLB after 16 seasons, split between the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies.
"As a baseball player, you realize that's something you can't do the rest of your life," Halladay said at a press conference announcing his decision. "I really don't have any regrets."
The 36-year-old right hander has no reason to have regrets. He earned his pedigree in the Great White North, tormenting the Yankees and Red Sox throughout his tenure in Toronto, to the point at which both teams attempted to sign or trade for him. But that wasn't Doc's steez. Though he desperately wanted a ring, he wouldn't play for a rival of his beloved Blue Jays.
Instead, Halladay joined the Philadelphia Phillies and turned in a magical season. He pitched a perfect game during the regular season and added a no hitter in the playoffs on what would be his first and only World Series title. It was a perfect culmination of a long career spent on a team incapable of matching his talent.
Since then, Halladay's career took a downward turn, in large part due to injuries. Halladay cited those injuries as part of the reason for his retirement, along with a desire to spend more time with his family.
Halladay said he would still like to remain a part of baseball and could join the Blue Jays organization in some capacity. As a token of the mutual admiration, the Blue Jays signed Halladay to a one-day contract so he could go out with the club he rode so hard for.
