Pitcher Roy Halladay thanks Blue Jays fans in open letter

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Former Cy Young award winner Roy Halladay joined a short list of athletes who have thanked their fans by writing an open letter as a full-page newspaper ad.

The letter appeared in today’s Toronto Sun with Halladay thanking Blue Jays fans for what he called their ‘overwhelming passion and devotion.’

Last week, Halladay was traded by Toronto to the Philadelphia Phillies as part of a blockbuster deal that also sent former AL Cy Young winner Cliff Lee from Philadelphia to Seattle. Halladay had spent his entire career with the Blue Jays, compiling a 148-76 record.

‘Toronto will forever have a special place in my heart,’ he said in the ad. ‘The memories will last a lifetime and so will my gratitude.’

-- Debbie Goffa