Today's .GIFs Of The Day

Run away screaming, low-bandwidthers.

First, a clip from last night's Tigers-White Sox game, wherein Joaquin threw a fastball that A.J. Pierzysnki fouled off Alex Avila's mask, and ... well ...

“It was ridiculous,” Avila said. “That looked like a firecracker coming off my mask.”

Avila did not see the sparks at the time but saw replays on the Internet later that night.

“I hope none of the tape the trainers use is flammable,” he joked. “I've got to check my mask out. I didn't notice anything. I left my mask on. I didn't feel anything jar or break on my mask. I don't know. Maybe there are some burn marks on my mask.”

Tigers manager Jim Leyland, a former catcher in the minor leagues, was asked about the incident.

“I was kidding him about it this morning,” he said. “I said, 'Sparks were flying out of my (expletive) when you struck out.”

Also, here is Rangers baseball in its most pure, uncut form:

Here's a special bonus .gif that I posted up on Twitter.