Top 5 MLB GIFs of the year

The dawning of a new year provides an obvious opportunity for introspection, the passage of time forcing us to confront ourselves honestly and assess our growth both as individuals and as parts of a larger community.

Or, you know, we could just enjoy a collection of some of the greatest moments from the most recent Major League Baseball season instead.

Behold, the five best GIFs from the 2014 campaign:

Braves' Simmons retires d'Arnaud from his behind

Though it's not his most graceful effort, two-time Gold Glove winner Andrelton Simmons uses his otherworldly arm strength to retire Travis d'Arnaud from the seat of his pants in this spectacular play from an April clash with the New York Mets.

Smooth operator tosses "foul ball" to lucky lady in Arlington

An innocuous foul ball during a game at Globe Life Park in May precipitated arguably the smoothest moment in the majors this season, one with no shortage of things to appreciate: the chivalry; the quiet confidence amid the Texas heat; the deftness displayed as he casually offered a different, lesser souvenir instead of the game ball.

Athletics' Cespedes breaks the internet with ridiculous throw

Yoenis Cespedes joined an exclusive club during a game against the Los Angeles Angels in June, becoming one of just a few outfielders to check "nail a baserunner at the plate with a throw on the fly from practically the warning track" off his to-do list.

50 Cent uncorks embarrassing first pitch in Queens

This kind of ceremonial first pitch may fly "In Da Club," but this pitiful offering from rapper 50 Cent should've gotten the left-hander forcibly removed from Citi Field back in May.

Royals' Vargas forgets how baseball is played during World Series

Jason Vargas spent the first three years of his career in the National League, but the 31-year-old left-hander showed some serious rust at the plate when he started jogging to first base after drawing a 3-2 count in his at-bat against Jean Machi in Game 4 of the World Series.