Giants ace Blake Snell's spikes from first career no-hitter game to be enshrined in Cooperstown

Blake Snell pitched the season's third no-hitter on Friday against the Cincinnati Reds, making one more addition to his achievement cabinet, which already includes two Cy Young awards. The three-walk, 11-strikeout complete game no-hitter was the Giants' 18th no-hitter since their inception in the MLB.

Snell's orange spikes, which he wore for his start, are now reportedly heading to Cooperstown. The Air Jordan cleats are set to serve as memorabilia in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Blake Snell's no-hitter was the first since Chris Heston threw one on June 9, 2015, as a Giants pitcher. The Giants' 18 no-hitters are now tied with the Red Sox for the third most in MLB history. They trail only the Dodgers (23) and the White Sox (20).

Blake Snell slams his critics with a dominating performance

Blake Snell won the NL Cy Young last year and signed a two-year, $62 million contract with the Giants this offseason. However, him and his agent Scott Boras were expecting a lot more.

A slow start to the season where he ended up having an ERA of 9.51 in his first six starts had led to a lot of criticism. However, since his return from injured list on July 9, there has been no better pitcher than Snell in all of baseball. He posted a 0.55 ERA with 41 strikeouts in his last five starts.

“I was pumped up,” Snell said in a postgame reaction. “It was a great time. I’m still kind of shocked. I need to go home, let it sink in.

“They can’t say it anymore. Complete game, shutout, no-hitter. Leave me alone. 'He doesn't go into the 9th. He doesn't go into the 8th.' Just did it. Leave me alone.”

Manager Bob Melvin also enjoyed his first career no-hitter, saying:

“That’s as nervous as I’ve been in a long time. I wanted that for him so bad. If anybody has the stuff to throw a no-hitter, it’s Blake Snell. It finally came through. Pitched nine innings of no-hit ball. He’s got that feather in his cap, which is pretty cool.”

During the trade deadline, there were talks of him being considered to be traded and it seems the Giants did well not to trade him. With opt-outs in place, Snell and Boras will have a decision to make on whether to stay with the Giants or test-free agency again.