Halladay’s hard work, generosity recalled

PHILADELPHIA » A fierce competitor on the mound, Roy Halladay was generous and gentle away from the field.

The eight-time All-Star loved his family, baseball and flying.

Halladay’s passion for piloting cost him his life Tuesday when his private plane crashed into the Gulf of Mexico. He was 40.

Former teammates, coaches and fans mourned the sudden loss of the beloved former player, who was known for his tireless work ethic. Nearly every memory began with a story about Halladay’s legendary workout program and his early morning routine.

Halladay even outworked Chase Utley.

The fan favorites quickly became close friends after Halladay was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies before the 2010 season. Utley recalled his introduction to Halladay at the team’s practice complex in Clearwater, Florida.

“My heart hurts writing this,” Utley wrote on Instagram. “I can still remember the first day we met. It was 5:45 a.m. on the first day of spring training when I arrived. He was finishing his breakfast but his clothes were soaking wet. I asked if it was raining when he got in. He laughed and said, ‘No I just finished my workout.’ I knew right then — he was the real deal. Thank you Roy for allowing us to witness what it takes to be the best. We will all miss you.”

Former teammate Cole Hamels, currently a Texas Rangers ace, joined Phillies chairman David Montgomery at Philadelphia’s ballpark to remember Halladay.

“Behind everything he did, he had a purpose,” Hamels said. “I think you come to realize that you have very small, short moments in life to do something great so you have to maximize it.”