Handing Out San Francisco Giants’ 2015 Superlative Awards

The “There’s Definitely Crying in Baseball” Award

Oct 1, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Tim Hudson (17) raises his hat to acknowledge fans after leaving the game in his final MLB career appearance during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

What an emotional final week the Giants went through. Two players made their final career appearances as big leaguers, and another made a beautiful, emotional speech in what is likely his farewell to San Francisco before he, most likely, moves on to another team. This award proves that, sometimes, there is crying in baseball, and is given to the moment that jerked out heart strings a little too hard.

The nominees are: Barry Zito vs. Tim Hudson in Oakland, Tim Hudon’s retirement ceremony, Jeremy Affeldt’s retirement ceremony, and Ryan Vogelsong‘s farewell speech.

And the winner is Jeremy Affeldt’s retirement ceremony!

Hudson vs. Zito was a beautiful moment, but was overshadowed by Parker stealing the spotlight with his monster day. Hudson’s ceremony was fantasitc, including video tributes from many former coaches and teammates. Vogelsong’s speech was raw and from the heart. But Affeldt’s ceremony, and his speech in particular, were the cream of the crop.

He was introduced by Bryan Stow, the Giants’ fan who was injured in an attack outside Dodger Stadium in 2011, to kick off the ceremony. Affeldt has been actively involved in fundraising on Stow’s behalf over the past five years.

When given the chance to speak, Affeldt has always been eloquent and sophisticated, and the final Sunday of the season, and his career, was no different. He honored his parents, his wife, his children, his teammates, his manager, and the fans. His anecdotes, given with tears in his eyes and a frog in his throat, brought us into his life, and gave us an idea of how far he’s come, not only in his career, but in his personal life as well. He pulled no punches, and put himself out there for everyone to hear. There’s no better way to show your gratitude.

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