I first heard about Doc while living in Germany. I don't recall exactly how, but I likely learned about him while poring over the USA Today that came to our doorstep a day after it hit newsstands. On the last day of the 1998 MLB season, Doc made his first major-league start for the Toronto Blue Jays and came within one out of a no-hitter. It was a great story and a sign of a bright future ahead.
Fast forward a few years and my family moved to Toronto. After living abroad since the age of six, I finally lived in a city with a professional baseball team again. I quickly adopted the Blue Jays as my mistress to my childhood team, the Oakland A's. My family made it a habit to attend every Opening Day, and Doc, now a bonafide ace, was the one who ushered in the start of each season.
The Blue Jays never made the playoffs the five years I lived in Toronto. They didn't really come close. So our saving grace as fans was Doc. With Doc on the mound, we knew at least for that day we had a fighting chance against the Yankees and Red Sox. We didn't have the best team in the AL East, but we had the best pitcher, and on those days that was enough.
When I saw the news that Doc had passed away, I was immediately overcome with emotion. I was surprised by my reaction and a bit embarrassed since I was at work. I had to pop into a conference room and gather myself. Even writing this post months after his passing, I still get teary eyed.
I don't know exactly why that is, but I do know Doc's life touched many lives. That day I found myself reading the many tributes to him, finding solace that his death meant as much to others as it did to me. He was only with us for 40 years, but that was enough to make a mark. I will forever cherish the memories he gave me, but my favorite ones will always be at the SkyDome, standing up and applauding our local legend as he walked to the dugout after striking out another one of those damn Yankees.
RIP Doc. No one I loved watching pitch more. https://t.co/E8qB4Ts24O— Nick Davis (@NickMetrophanes) November 7, 2017
