SAN FRANCISCO -- When Giants pitcher Joe Martinez was drilled in the head by a line drive last week, there was perhaps only one person in the ballpark not emotionally shaken by the incident.
There are few moments in sports scarier than seeing a baseball player get hit in the head with a line drive. Seeing a small projectile zipping along in the neighborhood of 100 mph, then hearing the sickening thwack of ball on bone is probably one of the hardest things to stomach. Joe Martinez walks away from a stunning accident on the mound Thursday. The San Francisco Giants reliever was bloodied by a line drive off the bat of Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Mike Cameron in the ninth inning, but remained conscious following the blow.
Jeff Chiu, AP
Martinez, who made his major league debut Tuesday, dropped to his knees after Cameron's liner struck him near the right temple. "That ball smoked him," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "He had no chance."
Jeff Chiu, AP
Cameron, center, hesitantly approached second base and had to be consoled by Giants players after the accident. "I hope the young man is all right and gets a chance to get back on the field," Cameron said.
Jeff Chiu, AP
Martinez was tended to by head trainer Dave Groeschner, right, Bochy, top left, and Giants first baseman Rich Aurilia. After a few minutes, Martinez was able to walk away with a cloth held to his nose. The 26-year-old pitcher was taken to a hospital for a CT scan and evaluation.
Jeff Chiu, AP
The scene was especially harrowing for Cameron and the players having learned of Nick Adenhart's tragic accident Thursday morning. Adenhart, a 22-year-old Angels pitcher, was killed in a car accident shortly after appearing in a game versus the Athletics Wednesday night.
Jeff Chiu, AP
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