Roy Halladay Field: A jewel that allows kids of all abilities to play baseball

If they built it, all would be welcome — to play baseball.

And that’s just what happened Wednesday at the unveiling of the Roy Halladay Field — formerly known as Highview Park — in Scarborough.

The field is named after famed Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay, an eight-time all-star, who died in November 2017 when the amphibious plane he was flying off the coast of Port Richey, Fla., crashed into the Gulf of Mexico.

On hand at the unveiling were Roy’s widow, Brandy Halladay, and his two sons — Braden and Ryan.

Braden threw out the first ceremonial pitch at the wheelchair-accessible field, which is designed for kids with

“I know Roy would be so proud,“ said Brandy. “This is where we grew up, and it is always home.”

Brandy was overcome with emotion, holding her hands to her face, as she stood at home plate speaking about what the field meant to her and her family.

With the effort of the Jays Care Foundation, the field comes complete with a “Doc’s Box” team dugout.

Halladay had created a foundation when in Toronto which ensured children battling illness and disabilities could go to the Rogers Centre to watch a Jays game.

Brandy said the field means a lot to her sons, who took time from their summer vacation period to attend the opening.

“They are here; they could be a hundred other places. It means a lot to them. They missed out a lot on their dad,” said Brandy, noting he was away from home quite a bit while playing baseball for the Jays and later the Philadelphia Phillies.

“This keeps them connected to him as a family.”

Cristal Zak, said her little son, Liam, loved being out on the field on Wednesday and she spoke about Brandy’s heart-felt speech.

“I could tell it was an emotional moment for her,” said Zak. “It was the fruition of a lot of work behind the scenes.”

“Doc” Halladay  played for the Blue Jays from 1998 to 2009 before being sent to the Philadelphia Phillies.

He won both the American League and National League CY Young awards, and was credited with a perfect game in May 2010 with the Phillies. He also recorded a no-hitter in the playoffs that year against the Cincinnati Reds.