Harvey Dorfman, one of the most influential sports psychologists of his time, passed way Monday.

On the same day, one of his pupils pitched for the first time this spring. Roy Halladay is one of Dorfman's most accomplished students.

Halladay carried The Mental ABC's of Pitching everywhere he goes. He handed a copy to every Phillies minor league pitcher at a mini-camp in Clearwater in January and said he's given out "probably hundred or so" copies to other pitchers throughout the years.

More on their bond in tomorrow's paper/online.

But here's just a brief taste that should let you know how influential Dorfman was to Halladay, the best pitcher in baseball.

I asked Halladay where he would rank Dorfman among people who impacted his career:

"First, definitely," Halladay answered. "I've had a lot of help, but I've told him the same thing: I'm certain I would have never had the success that I've had if it wasn't for the time I spent with him and the things I've learned from him. It really helped me turn the corner professionally, personally – it made all the difference."