San Francisco Giants’ Matt Cain has jersey of Colorado Rockies’ Todd Helton hanging in locker

There aren’t many pitchers in the league better than that of San Francisco Giants ace Matt Cain.

Sure, it was a rough first half for Cain this season, but he’s turned that around and looks every part of the pitcher we’ve grown to know the past eight years or so.

Cain, who outside of this season, has had a SUB 3.00 ERA in three of his past four seasons (!!) doesn’t have a lot of fellow talent to look up to, though, Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton holds a special place in the heart of Cain.

Outside of Adrian Gonzalez and Andre Ethier, Cain has never faced a batter more times than Helton and with the eventual Hall of Fame infielder likely to retire at season end, Cain asked for an autographed jersey, which has been hanging in his locker for the past two weeks.

Per CSN Bay Area:

"The Rockies’ 40-year-old first baseman is expected to retire after the season and so barring a change of heart, he’s playing his last series in San Francisco. Although Cain is back and healthy again, as it happens, his day to pitch won’t fall during these three games.But Cain plans to lean against the rail and watch each of Helton’s at-bats, and appreciate them.“For sure,” said Cain, who had Giants clubhouse manager Mike Murphy get Helton to autograph a Rockies home jersey for him two weeks ago at Coors Field.“He’s one of a small handful of guys I’ve been able to face that you can say for sure, `That guy’s going to the Hall of Fame.’ I mean, we’ll see what happens. But I’ve always looked at him that way, and he’s had a tremendous career.“You don’t’ really look forward to facing him because you know he’ll give you a tough battle.”"

Cain plans to take the jersey home with him once the season comes to a conclusion and display it on his wall.