How did New York Yankees relief pitcher Joba Chamberlain suffer a recent compound fracture of his ankle — that’s right, bones were poking out of his skin? Well naturally, he did it while getting ready for the season bouncing on a trampoline with his 5-year-old son. The injury required surgery and a three-night hospital stay; the Yankees are hopeful that the reliever will be able to pitch again … before the season is over.

But mangling an ankle on a trampoline doesn’t even come close to some of the goofiest ways pro athletes have injured themselves.

Steve Sparks (1994)
After getting pumped up at a motivational seminar, Sparks attempted to tear phone books apart. He failed at that, but succeeded at dislocating his shoulder during the attempt.

Glenallen Hill (1990)
Hill hated spiders. Like, he hated spiders a lot. And so while having one of his spider-infested nightmares, he bolted half-asleep from his bed, ran straight into a glass coffee table, and tumbled down a staircase. He ended up on the 15-day disabled list.

Glenn Healy (2000)
The former NHL goalie sustained a cut to his hand that required 40 stitches. What was he doing when he cut himself so severely? Why, cleaning his vintage bagpipes, of course.

Marty Cordova (2002)
Cordova fell asleep inside of a tanning booth, which is hilarious for several different reasons. The burn was so bad that doctors told him to avoid direct sunlight, which meant he had to miss the Orioles’ next game.

David Cone (1998)
The Yankees pitcher had his hand gnawed on by a grizzly bear. Oh, wait, actually it was his mother’s four-month-old Jack Russell terrier.

TAGS: injuries, sports