[Roy Halladay Died]

34 minutes ago, OFFNY said:

o

 

When I first heard that he died, I was very surprised.

After reading and hearing about how irresponsible he was in doing what he was doing, I was no longer surprised.

Aside from the fact that his wife begged him repeatedly not to fly at all, he insisted on doing so, and specifically flying a plane that was designed to fly low and in a dangerous manner.

The pilot that designed the plane died while flying one of them earlier this year, so Halladay obviously knew that. Thank goodness that he didn't take anybody with him, although it would have been extremely foolish for anyone to have chosen to go with him in the first place.

 

o

Speaking solely for myself, his behavior is in complete contrast of the image that I had fostered of him in my mind. Similar to Maddux, I sort of developed this perception of him that he was essentially a more stoic, intellectual player and person. Of course, Maddux turns out to be a prankster and Halladay was far more reckless, at least in that area of his life, than I ever would have imagined. This explains why I do not work for the FBI's profiling department.

In all seriousness though, when I first heard about Halladay flying planes (which was the same day he died), I immediately became convinced that the plane had to have malfunctioned. Before the facts began to emerge, I totally believed that Halladay was going to be a diligent student, flying many training hours with experienced pilots, and, when he did branch out on his own, would be a conservative, responsible flyer who received his satisfaction by simply cruising through the sky rather than any reckless behavior with the planes. Even seeing the photo of his plane was a complete contrast to what I would have imagined him flying.

This is where I insert lesson about the multi-dimensional nature of people's personalities and how two opposing traits can exist and even define a person. It's a frustrating and tragic thing to have happened, but it doesn't change the respect I had for his game. At some point, you stop transforming these players, in any sport, into saints who eventual crumble into reality, and just appreciate the accomplishments and making the games enjoyable when they are out there. 

[Roy Halladay Died]

5 hours ago, OFFNY said:

 

o

 

Amphetamines, Morphine, and traces of a drug used to treat insomnia were found in Halladay's System.

 

Mix of Drugs Found in Baseball Legend Roy Halladay’s System after Fatal Plane Crash

(By Chris Sommerfeldt and Megan Cerullo)

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/roy-halladay-mix-drugs-system-fatal-plane-crash-article-1.3766855

o

I think one thing that is important to note and add to the information presented in this article is that zolpidem is a generic name for Ambien and that the indications from the autopsy are that the levels of drugs in his system are consistent with someone using prescription medication properly. Also, the levels of morphine are also consistent with someone who is using pain killers which, considering Halladay's cause for retirement, would be consistent and believable to this day. The toxicology reports more or less indicate regular use of common medications. 

One aspect that I would be curious to receive further clarification on is the "(Zolpidem) appears capable of impairing driving to a degree that increases the risk of a motor vehicle accident." The reason I would like some clarification, really just for my own knowledge bank, is that is a very vague statement. When you think about most common medications, cold or flu or whatever, they could increase the risk of an accident due to impairing driving "to a degree." So I would be curious to have an expert explain, maybe by providing parallel examples, to what degree are we really talking about impairment. 

It's still hard to believe that he is gone. I definitely admired him as an athlete and I look forward to the debate about his worthiness for Cooperstown. 

[Angel Hernandez Sues MLB]

"The suit claims that Hernandez has received positive evaluations from the league. He is also one of MLB’s most unpopular umpires with the players. Numerous player surveys have ranked him near the bottom of the league’s umpires, most recently in 2010 when 22% of players surveyed by ESPN called Hernandez the worst umpire in the league. (C.B. Bucknor received 37% of the vote; Joe West, who worked the 2016 World Series, received 35% of the vote.)" - Sports Illustrated

"“Cuban-born Angel Hernandez, 55, states in his suit that he has been passed over several times for a chance to work the World Series despite high marks on evaluations." - Total Pro Sports

I'm more concerned about this receiving high marks on his evaluations. Typically, I'm someone who rolls their eyes when fans complain about umpires, both for or against the O's, but I will say that I am usually conscious of Hernandez calling a game. Usually there are enough questionable calls that you immediately take notice that it is him, behind the plate or in the field. Also, when he is in the field, there are enough calls missed, usually critical calls, that you find yourself saying, "now who the heck made that ca-...oh, Angel Hernandez, of course."

I really couldn't imagine a credible crew being led by him. He can use race or nationality all he wants, and I am not saying MLB's World Series crews are always led by the best, but I couldn't imagine him receiving the honor.