Few names shine as brightly as Mike Trout’s in the world of Major League Baseball (MLB). Trout burst onto the MLB scene with the Los Angeles Angels in 2011 and has taken the sport by storm, winning dozens of awards and finding himself handed a record-breaking contract. Do you want to know more about one of the MLB’s most prominent stars? Then, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about Mike Trout.
Trout was born on August 7, 1991, in Vineland, New Jersey, and it became apparent at an early age that he would become a top-tier athlete. Trout’s father, Jeff Trout, was a fifth-round pick as a second baseman for the Minnesota Twins. However, he never played in the MLB due to torn plantar fascia and knee injuries, which prematurely called time on his career before it truly got started.
The Start of the Journey to Superstardom
Trout’s spectacular journey into baseball started with the Millville High School baseball team. His stand-out performances and demonstrations of outfield and batting skills beyond his tender years caught the eye of scouts around the country. By the age of 18, the Los Angeles Angels drafted Trout in the first round of the MLB Draft. Little did anyone know that Trout would soon become the face of the franchise and that sportsbook offering MLB betting online would soon alter their odds based on whether Trout was playing or not.
Two years after putting pen to paper on his first professional contract, Trout progressed from the Angels’ minor league system and debuted at 19, making him the youngest Angel to play in a game since 1952.
Trout wasted little time showing the baseball fraternity what he was capable of. During his full rookie season in 2012, Trout won the coveted AL Rookie of the Year award, was the AL stolen base leader, collected the Silver Slugger Award, and was named in the All-Star team.
Trout’s Incredible Award and Trophy Haul
His consistency is one of the most remarkable aspects of Trout’s career. Year after year, he continues producing outstanding numbers and earning numerous accolades. Trout has been named the AL Most Valuable Player three times (2014, 2016, and 2019) and won the Silver Slugger Award nine times. The Silver Slugger Award is given to the best offensive player at each position.
In addition to those awards, coaches have selected Trout for MLB All-Star duty 11 times, and he has been the All-Star Game MVP on two occasions.
A Record-Breaking Contract
Having read about Trout’s remarkable achievements, it should not be surprising to learn that he is one of the best-paid baseball players in the MLB. Indeed, the contract he signed in March 2019 remains, to this day, the largest contract in the history of baseball. The Los Angeles Angels were so desperate to keep Trout on its roster that they offered him a 12-year deal worth an incredible $426 million. This was the richest contract in the history of North American sports until the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL) tied quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a 10-year $503 million contract. Trout’s annual salary tips the scales at almost $35.5 million, and that does not take into consideration the $20 million signing bonus nor the lucrative endorsement and sponsorship deals he negotiated away from the baseball field.
Forbes estimated Trout’s endorsement deals, which include companies such as BodyArmor, J&J Snack Foods, Nike, and Rawlings, earn him $14 million annually.
A Humble and Charitable Man
Trout is known for keeping a low profile outside of baseball despite being a legitimate superstar and guaranteed to be inducted into the game’s Hall of Fame. In 2018, Trout and his wife, Jessica, launched the “Mike Trout Foundation” to support multiple causes, including education, health, and youth programs for underprivileged communities.
Before starting the charity bearing his name, Trout showed his charitable nature by donating $27,000 to the American Red Cross to help people affected by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The $27,000 was based on his now-famous number 27 jersey.
Trout’s Personal Life
As mentioned, Trout prefers to keep a low profile when he is not starring for the Los Angeles Angels. He married his longtime girlfriend, Jessica Cox, on December 9, 2017, and the couple became parents to a son on July 30, 2020. The Trout family resides at Newport Beach in California during the long MLB season.
Although baseball players tend not to have much time off during a calendar year, Trout holds a season ticket for the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL. He considers the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback, Carson Wentz, one of his close friends.
Eagle-eyed fans have spotted Trout at games featuring the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
What Does the Future Hold For Trout?
Trout is 32 years old, which means he is coming towards the end of his long and illustrious career. That said, the center fielder is showing no signs of slowing down; he is still putting up some fantastic numbers in 2023.
In recent years, injuries have put the brakes on Trout’s career. After tearing his calf muscle, he missed more than 60 days of the 2021 regular season. In 2022, Trout began suffering back spasms and was ultimately diagnosed with a rare back disorder called costovertebral dysfunction, which could affect him for the rest of his career.
Fastforward to the 2023 season, and Trout fractured his left hamate bone during the campaign being in its relevant infancy. Trout underwent surgery in July and was expected to return to the team within 4-6 weeks. However, it has since materialized that he will likely miss the rest of the season.
Injury woes aside, Trout will go down in baseball history as one of the greatest players of his generation and of all time; a place in the Hall of Fame beckons.
Trout is a true American sports icon whose story proves that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
