Perfect.
It was a word that described Roy Halladay on and off the field.
It was also one of the first words that came to mind when our worst fears were confirmed yesterday afternoon.
It started with eerie word that a plane that he owned had gone down in the Gulf Of Mexico off Tampa, Fla. Then, about 4:30 came confirmation from police. And just like that Roy Halladay was gone.
The two-time Cy Young winner only spent four seasons with the Phillies, but it seemed longer.
"Doc" seemed like one of us.
He made history by hurling the second perfect game in team history. He followed that up with another bit of history on Oct. 6, 2010.
He tossed a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds in the first game of the National League Division Series.
That is the other word that came to mind when I thought about Halladay.
Of course, I have a bias. I write headlines for a living.
I immediately thought about the special commemorative page we designed to note Halladay's no-hit playoff gem.
It's a play off his name.
Histo-Roy!
I thought it was a fitting salute.
It still is.
RIP, Roy.
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