Handing Out San Francisco Giants’ 2015 Superlative Awards

The Jeremy Affeldt Weird Injury Award

Jul 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Jeremy Affeldt (41) comes off the field during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers defeated the Giants 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

This award is given to the player who suffered the weirdest injury, in honor of Jeremy Affeldt, who has cornered the market in hurting himself in a weird and unusual way. Of course, he is also a nominee for the left knee subluxation he suffered while playing with his kids in a lake. The other nominees are Hector Sanchez hurting himself in three different ways on one play, Gregor Blanco getting hit in the head by a thrown ball in batting practice, and Brandon Belt‘s headfirst slide into second base gone wrong.

The winner of this award is its namesake, Jeremy Affeldt!

This is sort of a lifetime injury achievement award for the left-hander who is retiring. His list of weird injuries also includes a sliced hand as he attempted to separate frozen hamburger patties, and another child-related injury when he sprained his MCL. Retirement actually might not be such a great thing for Affeldt.

Of course, we’d be remiss if Affeldt’s great career was not mentioned. Playing in the Majors for 14 years as a relief pitcher is no easy feat, and playing seven seasons in one city is even more difficult, but Affeldt became one of the best at his craft, becoming part of the Giants’ “Core Four” of relievers. His postseason resumé is one of the most impressive in history. On top of that, he was a great teammate, person, and humanitarian.

His time as a player has come to an end, but he will be remembered for a long time for everything he did with the Giants. And of course, for his weird, unexplainable injuries.

Next: Speaking of Weird...