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Roy Halladay

Roy Halladay, born Harry Leroy Halladay III on May 14, 1977, in Denver, Colorado, was an acclaimed American professional baseball pitcher renowned for his precision, endurance, and dominance on the mound. Drafted by the Blue Jays in the first round (17th overall) of the MLB Draft out of Arvada West High School, he made his major league debut with the team on September 20, 1998, and spent the bulk of his 16-season career there before a blockbuster trade to the Phillies in 2009. Over his career, Halladay compiled a 203–105 win–loss record with a 3.38 (), 2,117 strikeouts, 67 complete games, and 20 shutouts in 416 games (390 starts), establishing himself as one of the premier starting pitchers of his era. Nicknamed "Doc" after the Wild West gunslinger , Halladay's ascent to stardom included a pivotal stint in 2001 where he reworked his mechanics under coach Mel Queen, leading to his first selection in 2002 and his inaugural in 2003 after a 20-win season. With the Phillies, he achieved further glory, including a against the Marlins on May 29, 2010—the 21st in MLB history—and a postseason in Game 1 of the against the , the second such feat in playoff history. That year, he captured the , becoming the fifth pitcher to win the honor in both leagues and the only one to do so unanimously in the NL. Halladay retired on December 9, 2013, after signing a one-day contract with the Blue Jays to end his career where it began, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019 on his first ballot with 85.4% of the vote. Tragically, Halladay died on November 7, 2017, at age 40, in a single-engine plane crash in the near his home in , an incident investigated by the as involving pilot error related to low-altitude . His legacy endures through his induction into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017, reflecting his 12 seasons of excellence with the Blue Jays, and his lasting impact on the sport as a model of preparation and performance.

Early years

Childhood and family background

Harry LeRoy Halladay III was born on May 14, 1977, in , , to parents Harry LeRoy "Roy" Halladay II and Linda Halladay. As the only son among three children, he grew up alongside his older sister Miranda, who went on to earn a basketball scholarship at , and his younger sister Heather. The Halladay family relocated from to the suburb of , during Roy's early childhood, primarily to provide a suitable space for his burgeoning interest in ; their new home featured a measuring exactly 60 feet and 6 inches—the regulation distance from the pitcher's mound to home plate—allowing him to practice pitching indoors year-round. This move underscored the family's supportive environment, which emphasized dedication to personal pursuits. Roy Halladay II, a commercial pilot for a food-processing company, played a pivotal role in fostering his son's early fascination with , introducing him to flying at a young age and encouraging interests like building and flying model airplanes. The family dynamic, centered on hard work and perseverance, instilled in young Halladay a strong sense of discipline and work ethic, traits that became hallmarks of his character from an early age. This foundational support from his family naturally paved the way for Halladay's transition into organized during high school.

Amateur baseball and draft

Halladay's introduction to organized baseball came through Little League in , where he played alongside his father, who coached a team called the Padres in the early . His father's hands-on involvement, including mentoring him from a young age, instilled a strong and passion for the game that shaped his early development. As he progressed after the family's move to Arvada, Halladay competed in and leagues, honing his skills under the guidance of coach Bus Campbell starting at age 13, who emphasized proper mechanics and conditioning. At Arvada West High School in , Halladay emerged as a standout pitcher under coach Jim Capra, leading the team to a Class 6A state championship in during his junior year. He also lettered in , earning second-team All-State honors as a junior, and in cross-country. Over his high school career, he compiled a 26-2 record with two no-hitters, earning three-time All-Conference and All-State honors, two-time league and state awards, the inaugural Bauldie Moschetti , and recognition as a top player and National High School Baseball Coaches Association All-American. In his senior year of 1995, Halladay posted a 10-1 record with a 0.55 and 105 strikeouts in 63 , contributing to a strong playoff run that included a 2-for-3 performance in the state semifinal. That season, he was named the Colorado Player of the Year. Halladay's dominant amateur performance led to his selection by the Toronto Blue Jays as the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 1995 MLB Draft. He signed a professional contract on June 30, 1995, for a and was immediately assigned to the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Blue Jays for his debut season.

Professional career

Minor league development

Following his selection in the first round of the 1995 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays, Halladay signed and began his professional career in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League with the GCL Blue Jays, where he posted a 3-5 record with a 3.40 ERA over 50.1 innings in 10 appearances, eight of them starts, striking out 48 while walking 16. This debut season demonstrated the potential that had made him a high school standout, providing a foundation for his rapid ascent through the minors. In 1996, Halladay advanced to Dunedin in the , excelling with a 15-7 record and a 2.73 across 164.2 innings in 27 starts, allowing 158 while striking out 109 and walking 46, which helped earn him organizational accolades for his command and durability. His performance that year showcased improved consistency, as he skipped short-season ball entirely after his rookie stint, signaling the Blue Jays' confidence in his readiness for full-season competition. Halladay's progression accelerated in 1997, starting at Double-A with the Knoxville Smokies before a midseason promotion to Triple-A Syracuse SkyChiefs, but he encountered significant challenges with control, finishing 9-13 overall with a 4.77 in 162.1 innings across both levels, including 64 walks that contributed to a walk rate of approximately 3.55 per nine innings. At Knoxville, his 5.40 in 36.2 innings highlighted early inconsistencies, while in Syracuse, he went 7-10 with a 4.58 in 125.2 innings, underscoring the difficulties of adapting to higher-level hitters despite 94 total strikeouts. These struggles tested his development, prompting adjustments under the guidance of Blue Jays pitching coach Mel Queen, who began emphasizing mechanical refinements to enhance velocity and command during Halladay's time in the upper minors. Returning to Triple-A Syracuse in 1998, Halladay showed marked growth, compiling a 9-5 record with a 3.79 in 116.1 innings over 21 starts, striking out 71 while issuing 53 walks, though he missed over a month due to a strained right . This season represented a rebound, with better overall effectiveness that addressed prior control issues and solidified his readiness for the majors, culminating in a September call-up to after a strong performance streak at Syracuse. Over his four minor league seasons from 1995 to 1998, Halladay maintained a 36-30 record with a 3.81 in 87 appearances (85 starts), logging 493.2 innings with 322 strikeouts and 179 walks, illustrating his evolution from a promising to a polished prospect despite mid-career hurdles.

Toronto Blue Jays era (1998–2009)

Halladay made his debut on September 20, 1998, for the Blue Jays against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at , where he pitched 5 innings, allowing 2 earned runs on 8 hits with 5 strikeouts and 2 walks. His early major league career was marked by inconsistency, as he posted a 5.77 over 57 appearances from 1998 to 2000, including a particularly rough 10.64 in 2000 that led to struggles with command and effectiveness. In 2001, following his poor performance, Halladay was demoted to Class A in the Blue Jays' system to overhaul his pitching mechanics under coach Mel Queen, a move that emphasized rebuilding his delivery for better control and repeatability. In 2001, during his demotion to , Halladay posted a 6-4 record with a 2.25 ERA over 48 innings in 8 starts. He returned to the majors on July 2, 2001, and this transformation paved the way for a breakout 2002 season, in which he went 19–7 with a 2.93 ERA over 239.1 innings, earning his first selection and establishing himself as the Blue Jays' ace. Building on that momentum, Halladay won the in 2003 after leading the league with 22 victories (22–7 record) and a 3.25 ERA across 266 innings, while striking out 204 batters; he also made the team that year. Halladay's mid-career years featured continued excellence interspersed with setbacks, including a 2006 campaign where he posted a 16–5 record and 3.19 in 220 , securing another All-Star nod in 2005 and 2006. Injuries hampered his availability, such as right shoulder soreness in 2004 that led to two disabled list stints and limited him to 21 starts with a 4.20 , and an emergency in 2007 that sidelined him for about six weeks. Despite these challenges, he earned All-Star honors in 2008 after a dominant 20–11 season with a 2.78 and 206 strikeouts in 246 . In his final years with , Halladay remained a workhorse, winning 17 games in (17–10, 2.79 over 239 innings) while making his sixth All-Star appearance that decade. Over 12 seasons with the Blue Jays from 1998 to , he compiled a 148–76 record with a 3.43 in 313 games, striking out 1,495 batters and anchoring the rotation without a single postseason appearance. Amid ongoing trade rumors in as the team sought to rebuild, Halladay expressed loyalty to , having signed multiple contract extensions despite the lack of playoff contention, underscoring his commitment to the organization that drafted and developed him.

Philadelphia Phillies tenure (2010–2013)

On December 16, 2009, the Philadelphia Phillies acquired Roy Halladay from the Blue Jays in a three-team trade that also involved the Seattle Mariners, sending prospects , Michael Taylor, and to Toronto while the Phillies traded to Seattle for additional prospects , J.C. Ramirez, and Tyson Gillies, along with $6 million from the Blue Jays to offset Halladay's salary. This move bolstered Philadelphia's rotation, which already featured aces like and Lee, aiming to extend their contention window after back-to-back pennants. Halladay signed a three-year, $60 million extension with the Phillies shortly after the trade, committing to the team through 2011 with club options for 2012 and 2013. Halladay's 2010 season marked one of the pinnacle performances of his career, as he went 21-10 with a 2.44 over 33 starts, striking out 219 batters and earning the unanimously. He started for the in the at and threw a on May 29 against the Florida Marlins, the first in Phillies history, retiring all 27 batters on 108 pitches. In the postseason, Halladay made history again with a in Game 1 of the against the on October 6, the first postseason since 1956 and the second in Phillies playoff history. Despite these feats, the Phillies advanced to the NL Championship Series but were swept by the Giants. Building on his consistency from , Halladay's dominance helped anchor Philadelphia's rotation during their 2010 playoff run. In , Halladay maintained elite form with a 19-6 record, 2.35 , and 220 strikeouts in 32 starts, earning his eighth selection and finishing second in voting. The Phillies won 102 games and the NL East division, but the Phillies lost the series 2-3 after Halladay's start in Game 5 of the Division Series against the Cardinals resulted in a 1-0 loss. His efforts contributed significantly to Philadelphia's back-to-back playoff appearances in 2010 and . Halladay's performance declined in 2012 due to a strained right latissimus dorsi muscle, which sidelined him for six to eight weeks after May; he returned to post an 11-8 record with a 4.49 over 25 starts and 132 strikeouts. The Phillies finished third in the NL East and missed the . In 2013, issues worsened, leading to surgery in May for a partially torn and bone spurs; Halladay made 13 starts upon returning in August, going 4-5 with a 6.82 and 51 strikeouts before the season ended. Over his four seasons with , Halladay compiled a 55-29 record, 3.29 , and 622 strikeouts in 103 starts across 702.2 innings, solidifying his role as a of the team's rotation during a transitional period.

Retirement announcement

On December 9, 2013, Roy Halladay announced his retirement from during a press conference at the MLB winter meetings in , after signing a ceremonial one-day with the Blue Jays, the team where he began his career. Halladay cited cumulative injuries as a primary factor in his decision, including two pars stress fractures in his lower back that altered his pitching and led to issues, compounded by a desire to avoid and prioritize time with his . These problems had intensified during his 2013 season with the Phillies, where injuries restricted him to just 13 starts. Over 16 seasons, Halladay concluded his career with 203 wins, 105 losses, a 3.38 earned-run average, and 2,117 strikeouts in 2,749⅓ innings pitched across 416 games (390 starts). In the immediate aftermath, Halladay joined the Phillies organization as a guest instructor for spring training in 2014, sharing his expertise with young pitchers while transitioning to life after playing. During the announcement, Halladay became emotional while reflecting on his accomplishments, expressing fulfillment from his two Awards, , and postseason , despite never winning a , and stating he had "no regrets" about his path in the sport.

Pitching style

Mechanics and preparation routines

Halladay's pitching were characterized by a consistent over-the-top , featuring long levers and precise foot placement with three specific marks on the for , landing, and finish points to ensure repeatability. Under the guidance of Toronto Blue Jays pitching coach Mel Queen during a stint, he refined his by lowering his release point and accelerating his speed, which enhanced and command while reducing strain. This adjustment allowed for a quick arm action that generated a typically clocked at 92–94 mph, contributing to his ability to maintain velocity deep into games. Beginning in his days, Halladay adopted a rigorous long-toss program and weight training regimen inspired by Nolan Ryan's Pitcher's Bible, which he first followed at age 13 to build arm strength and overall durability. He performed daily weight sessions with 15 repetitions per set, avoiding shortcuts to develop exceptional leg strength that ranked among the top five in baseball, as noted by his coach Brad Arnsberg. These routines, combined with Queen's emphasis on repeatable , formed the foundation for Halladay's physical preparation, enabling him to over 200 innings in multiple seasons without significant arm issues. Halladay's pre-game routines were meticulous and demanding, often starting with a 90-minute individual workout as early as 5:30 a.m., well before team activities, to condition his body and mind. This included extensive sessions of exactly 35 pitches, organized in five-pitch sequences to simulate game scenarios while maintaining precise release points and footwork, rarely extending the session unless command faltered. He incorporated techniques drawn from H.A. Dorfman's The Mental ABC's of Pitching, focusing pitch-by-pitch on successful outcomes, a practice rooted in his early training and reinforced by Queen's mental coaching. Fielding drills featured work with a multisided reaction ball to sharpen reflexes, while post-game conditioning involved running—often for two hours immediately after starts—ensuring continuous from his high school cross-country background. His commitment to these habits was evident in high-stakes performances, such as his 2010 , where the blend of mechanical precision and preparatory discipline allowed flawless execution over nine innings.

Signature pitches and strategy

Roy Halladay's pitching arsenal featured a diverse centered on and command, including a typically in the low-90s mph range, a sinking , a devastating , a sharp , and a that evolved into a split-change hybrid later in his career. The sinker and formed the backbone of his attack, generating ground balls by late that jammed hitters and induced weak contact. His provided a vertical break to complement the horizontal action of his s, while the offered deception against opposite-handed batters by mimicking the arm speed of his but fading away. The cutter emerged as Halladay's signature offering, initially introduced under the guidance of Toronto Blue Jays pitching coach Gil Patterson in the early 2000s and significantly refined after a pivotal 2008 All-Star Game conversation with Mariano Rivera, who shared his grip technique. This adaptation followed a broader overhaul in 2001, when Halladay, demoted to Class A ball after a disastrous 2000 season, reworked his delivery with coach Mel Queen to incorporate more sinking pitches like the two-seam fastball, emphasizing location over velocity. By 2004, cutter usage began trending upward, becoming integral to his success; in 2010, he threw it approximately 42% of the time, often targeting the inner half against right-handed hitters to set up his other pitches and exploit their tendencies to pull. This heavy reliance on the cutter—his most frequent pitch throughout his career—allowed him to neutralize power hitters by boring in on their hands. Halladay's strategic approach epitomized efficiency and preparation, focusing on pitching to rather than overpowering hitters with strikeouts, which kept his pitch counts low and enabled him to lead the league in four times. He pounded the relentlessly, maintaining one of the lowest walk rates in —career 5.2% BB%—and frequently topping strikeout-to-walk ratios, such as 6.29 in 2011. Varying speeds across his , from the cutter's mid-90s velocity to the curveball's 70s, disrupted timing, while his pre-game ritual of studying video footage and maintaining detailed notebooks on every opposing hitter informed precise sequencing to exploit weaknesses. This intellectual, contact-oriented mindset, honed through constant adaptation, transformed him into a complete capable of dominating lineups deep into games.

Personal life

Family and marriage

Roy Halladay married his high school sweetheart, Gates, on November 27, 1998, after they reconnected in 1996 following her family's return to . The couple, who first met as children in a Latter-day Saints church community in , shared a close partnership throughout Halladay's career, with providing emotional support amid the demands of . The Halladays had two sons: Braden, born August 14, 2000, and Ryan, born in 2004. Braden and Ryan grew up actively involved in , with Halladay their youth teams after to foster their interest in the sport while emphasizing family bonding. Braden pursued college baseball at and was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019, while both sons have continued to honor their father's legacy through ceremonial first pitches, including at a Phillies game in October 2025 marking the 15th anniversary of Halladay's postseason . The family played a pivotal role in major career decisions, including Halladay's 2009 trade from the Toronto Blue Jays to the Philadelphia Phillies, which was framed as a collective choice to stay on the East Coast for easier access to family during the season. Brandy actively participated in these discussions, highlighting how the move strengthened their unit and allowed Halladay to balance professional ambitions with fatherhood. The Halladays maintained homes in Odessa, Florida—near the Phillies' spring training site—and in Pennsylvania during Halladay's tenure with the Phillies, prioritizing a stable environment that shielded their children from excessive public scrutiny and promoted everyday normalcy. Brandy's influence extended to Halladay's retirement, where she advocated for more family time, underscoring her integral role in guiding post-career life toward health and togetherness. The couple valued privacy, keeping out of to ensure their sons experienced a grounded upbringing despite Halladay's .

Philanthropy and off-field interests

Halladay and his wife, , established the Halladay Family Foundation to support children's charities, hunger relief initiatives, and animal rescue efforts. The foundation partnered with the Phillies and Philabundance to launch the Phans Feeding Families program in , aiming to combat summer hunger among children by distributing meals and raising awareness through ballpark events and public service announcements. During his tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays, Halladay donated $100,000 annually to the Jays Care Foundation, which promotes youth baseball, education, and community programs for at-risk children in the area, including partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs of . Inspired by personal connections to families facing medical challenges, such as his support for the McFadden family whose son had a rare , Halladay hosted "Doc's Box" at starting in 2003, inviting sick children and their families to enjoy games from a luxury suite in collaboration with the Jays Care Foundation and Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children. In , the foundation contributed to similar causes, including food insecurity programs that provided thousands of meals to local families. Halladay balanced these public efforts with a preference for privacy, often involving his family in foundation events without seeking widespread publicity. The foundation has continued its work post-2017, including sponsoring the Roy Halladay Memorial Scholarship for students demonstrating excellence and , with awards given as of March 2025. Beyond philanthropy, Halladay pursued as a passion, earning his sport pilot certificate in 2013 shortly after retirement and purchasing an amphibious in 2017. He also enjoyed fishing trips and outdoor activities, which offered respite from his intense routine. An avid reader, Halladay drew inspiration from books on mental performance, such as Harvey Dorfman's The Mental ABC's of Pitching, to refine his approach both on and off the field. Post-retirement, he mentored young pitchers informally, sharing insights on preparation and with Phillies minor leaguers.

Death

Plane crash incident

On November 7, 2017, Roy Halladay, a retired pitcher, was killed in a plane crash in the near , shortly after takeoff from a lake in the Tampa area. Halladay, who had obtained his pilot's license in 2013 and logged approximately 700 flight hours, was piloting his newly acquired , a single-engine amphibious , alone during the flight that began around noon Eastern Time. The crash occurred about 17 minutes after departure, in shallow waters roughly a quarter-mile offshore from Bailey's Bluff in Pasco County, approximately 10 miles west of St. Petersburg. Eyewitnesses in the area reported observing the aircraft performing maneuvers at low altitudes, estimated between 5 and 300 feet over the , prior to the impact. The plane struck the with significant force and came to rest inverted in about 4 feet of depth, severely damaged. No distress call was issued from the aircraft, which was equipped with flight data recorders but no voice recorder. Halladay's body was recovered alongside the wreckage later that afternoon, confirming his death at the age of 40. Initial media coverage described the event as a tragic , with reports emerging rapidly about the circumstances of the solo flight. The Phillies, Halladay's most recent team, issued a statement expressing being "numb over the very tragic news" and offering condolences to his family. Similarly, the Toronto Blue Jays, where he spent the majority of his career, conveyed being "overcome by with the tragic loss of one of the franchise’s greatest," extending to his . MLB Commissioner also shared condolences on behalf of the league, noting the shock felt across .

Investigation findings

The (NTSB) released its factual report on the crash in April 2020, detailing the investigation into the November 7, 2017, incident involving Roy Halladay's amphibious . The report attributed the accident primarily to , specifically Halladay's performance of unauthorized low-altitude aerobatic maneuvers that resulted in a loss of control and subsequent . Witnesses observed the executing steep climbs, sharp turns, and high bank angles as low as 5 feet above the water surface in the , maneuvers that exceeded the 's operational limits and violated . Toxicology analysis revealed multiple impairing substances in Halladay's system at the time of the crash, including at approximately 10 times the therapeutic level (0.93 μg/mL), , the antidepressant , the sleep aid , the muscle relaxant , and the opioid . These findings were linked to Halladay's history of pain from prior injuries and surgeries, for which he had been prescribed pain medications, though the levels suggested potential misuse or improper timing relative to flying. Any one of these substances would have disqualified him from piloting under FAA medical standards. Examination of the wreckage found no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or pre-impact anomalies in the , which Halladay had owned for about one month and flown for roughly 15 hours. The aircraft, a light-sport model certified for basic flight including intentional spins but not full , was not equipped or rated for the aggressive maneuvers performed, such as steep climbs and inverted flight near the ground. The emergency system remained undeployed, with its safety pin intact, indicating it was not activated during the sequence. Investigators identified contributing factors including possible overconfidence stemming from Halladay's approximately 750 total flight hours as a private pilot with single- and multi-engine land ratings, though his experience was limited in the specific model and he lacked formal training for low-altitude or aerobatic operations. Prior incidents, such as flying under a bridge at 180 feet, suggested a pattern of risk-taking. As Halladay was the sole occupant and deceased, no criminal charges were pursued by authorities. The NTSB's factual report did not issue a final determination, as that process was ongoing at the time of release.

Legacy

Awards and statistical honors

Roy Halladay's career was marked by numerous accolades, highlighting his dominance as a in both the and s. He won the twice, first in 2003 for the , receiving 26 of 28 first-place votes while with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he led the league with 22 wins and a 3.25 . Seven years later, in 2010 with the Philadelphia Phillies, Halladay claimed the unanimously, posting a league-leading 21 wins, a 2.44 , and seven complete games. Halladay was selected to eight Games, representing the in 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2009, and the in 2010 and 2011. In 2010, he earned the starting assignment for the team at , where he pitched a scoreless first inning. Among his other honors, Halladay was nominated multiple times for the by the Blue Jays for his humanitarian efforts, including support for underprivileged children and community programs. He also received the 2010 MLB Clutch Performer of the Year Award, recognizing his performance in high-pressure situations, such as his postseason in the . Statistically, Halladay achieved 20 or more wins in four seasons: 20 in 2002, 22 in 2003, 20 in 2008, and 21 in 2010. Over his 16-year career, he compiled a 3.38 ERA and 64.2 (WAR) for pitchers, metrics that underscored his elite status among contemporaries. In recognition of his contributions, the Toronto Blue Jays retired his number 32 on March 29, 2018, during an ceremony at . The Phillies followed suit, retiring his number 34 on August 8, 2021, at , honoring his impact during his five seasons with the team.

Hall of Fame induction and tributes

Roy Halladay was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on January 22, 2019, receiving 363 votes or 85.4% of the total from the (BBWAA) in his first year of eligibility. This posthumous election marked him as the sixth player elected by the BBWAA after passing away, and the first via the standard ballot since 1954, joining , Edgar Martinez, and in the Class of 2019. The induction ceremony took place on July 21, 2019, in , where Halladay's wife, Brandy Halladay, delivered an emotional acceptance speech on his behalf, highlighting his dedication, competitiveness, and love for the game. Per the family's request, Halladay's plaque features no team logo to honor his significant contributions to both the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies. Halladay's legacy continued to be celebrated through various tributes, including his posthumous induction into the Phillies Wall of Fame on August 4, 2018, recognizing his four seasons with the team that included a and a . In , the city's first fully accessible diamond at Highview Park was named Roy Halladay Field on May 14, 2021 by the Jays Care Foundation and the City of , providing a space for athletes of all abilities to play and develop skills in honor of his community impact, and officially opened on July 13, 2022, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Media tributes further preserved Halladay's story, such as the ESPN E:60 documentary "Imperfect: The Roy Halladay Story," which aired on May 29, 2020, and explored his career highs, personal struggles, and family perspectives. Additionally, the 2021 biography "Doc: The Life of Roy Halladay" by Todd Zolecki, based on over 100 interviews, detailed his journey and influence on . Halladay's relentless continues to inspire current pitchers, with many citing his preparation routines and intensity as a model for success in the sport.

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