On May 29, 2010, former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay pitched the MLB’s 20th perfect game.
After accomplishing the feat, Halladay set out to buy gifts for the team’s players, personnel, and staff to celebrate the moment.
Halladay would enlist Frank Coppenbarger, who served as the team’s director of team travel and clubhouse services, to help him compile a list of people he wanted to gift a Baume & Mercier Riviera XXL watch to.
Five years ago, several Phillies players and personnel shared their memories about Halladay and the gift he gave to all of them, write Matt Gelb and Meghan Montemurro for The Athletic.
Given Halladay’s death, the watch brings out even more emotion for many.
Raúl Ibañez called Halladay’s gesture “the classiest … kindest, most selfless” gesture he’s ever seen a player do for his teammates.
Juan Castro feels lucky to have been a part of that game. Looking at the watch reminds him of what kind of pitcher Halladay was.
For Jimmy Rollins, who was injured at the time, he feels undeserving of a watch. However, him receiving one highlights Halladay’s commitment to never wanting anyone to feel left out.
Ryan Howard remembers how Halladay always looked at his accomplishments as a team effort and everyone playing a part.
Read more about Roy Halladay’s kind gesture and how he is remembered at The Athletic.
_____
