Philadelphia ? Roy Halladay spent plenty of Octobers at home, wishing for this opportunity.

The ace right-hander has been to seven All-Star games, won a Cy Young Award, pitched a perfect game and compiled an impressive resume over his 13-year career. But the one thing he hasn’t crossed off his to-do list is pitch in a postseason game.

Until now.

Halladay will take the ball when the Philadelphia Phillies host the Cincinnati Reds in Game 1 of their NL division series at 4 p.m. today.

“It’s a great challenge,” Halladay said on a rainy Tuesday. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do my whole career, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”

Edinson Volquez will start for the NL Central champion Reds, who are in the playoffs for the first time since 1995.

After 12 seasons playing for Toronto, Halladay desperately wanted to join a contender. He nearly got the chance last year, but a trade to Philadelphia fell through before the July 31 non-waiver deadline.

The Phillies acquired Cliff Lee instead.

Halladay watched the Series with more interest than usual because he was nearly a part of it, and to see his former teammate, A.J. Burnett, pitch for New York.