History of Mike Trout in Timeline

Mike Trout is a highly decorated MLB outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels. Renowned as one of baseball's all-time greats and the best player of his generation, Trout boasts an impressive resume, including 11 All-Star selections, 3 AL MVP awards, and 9 Silver Slugger Awards. He captained Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and earned a spot on the All-World Baseball Classic Team, cementing his status as an elite player on the international stage as well.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1934: Tying Major League Rookie Record

In July of 2012, Mike Trout tied the Major League rookie record of 34 runs scored with Cleveland Indians first baseman Hal Trosky who set the record in 1934.

1936: First Rookie Since DiMaggio

In July of 2012, Mike Trout became the first rookie since Joe DiMaggio in 1936 to drive in at least 55 runs and score 80 runs in 81 games.

January 7, 1961: Jeff Trout Born

On January 7, 1961, Jeff Trout, Mike Trout's father, was born. He played baseball at the University of Delaware and was drafted by the Minnesota Twins.

Others born on this day/year

1972: Youngest Player to Hit 20 Home Runs and Steal 40 Bases

In 2012, Mike Trout became the youngest player ever to hit at least 20 home runs and steal at least 40 bases in a season, surpassing César Cedeño who achieved the feat in 1972.

1983: Jeff Trout Drafted by Minnesota Twins

In 1983, Jeff Trout, Mike Trout's father, was drafted as a second baseman by the Minnesota Twins in the fifth round.

August 7, 1991: Michael Nelson Trout Born

On August 7, 1991, Michael Nelson Trout was born to Jeff and Debbie (née Busonick) Trout in Vineland, New Jersey.

Others born on this day/year

2001: Most Games with Three or More Runs

In 2012, Mike Trout had the tenth time in the season that he scored three or more runs in one game, the most since Sammy Sosa's 11 games in 2001.

2001: AL Rookie of the Month Four Times

In August of 2012, Mike Trout became the first American League rookie since Ichiro Suzuki in 2001 to win Rookie of the Month four times during a single season.

2007: Perfect Game WWBA Championships

In 2007, Mike Trout played in the Perfect Game WWBA Championships in Jupiter, Florida with Tri-State Arsenal.

2008: Perfect Game WWBA Championships

In 2008, Mike Trout played in the Perfect Game WWBA Championships in Jupiter, Florida with Tri-State Arsenal.

2008: Attended Phillies World Series Parade

In 2008, Mike Trout, a die-hard Philadelphia Phillies fan, attended their World Series parade, celebrating their championship victory.

2009: Graduation from Millville Senior High School

In 2009, Mike Trout graduated from Millville Senior High School.

2009: MLB Draft and Professional Career

In 2009, the Angels selected Mike Trout in the MLB draft, and he started his professional career playing for the Arizona Angels and later the Cedar Rapids Kernels.

2009: Drafted by the Angels

In 2009, the Angels selected Mike Trout in the first round of the MLB draft, marking the beginning of his professional baseball career.

2010: All-Star Futures Game Selection and Promotion

In 2010, Mike Trout played for Cedar Rapids, was selected for the All-Star Futures Game, and was promoted to the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.

2010: Topps Minor League Player of the Year Award

In 2010, Mike Trout received the Topps Minor League Player of the Year Award, becoming the youngest player to win the award, also named a Baseball America All-Star and a Topps Class A All-Star.

July 8, 2011: Major League Debut

On July 8, 2011, Mike Trout was promoted to the Los Angeles Angels and made his major league debut, going 0-for-3.

August 1, 2011: Sent Back to Double-A Arkansas

On August 1, 2011, after hitting .163, Mike Trout was sent back to Double-A Arkansas.

August 19, 2011: Recalled by the Angels

On August 19, 2011, Mike Trout was recalled by the Angels and hit a home run in his first game back at Angel Stadium.

2011: Minor League Player of the Year Award

For the 2011 season, Mike Trout was named Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year after hitting .326/.414/.544 with 11 home runs, 38 RBIs, 82 runs scored, and 33 stolen bases in 91 games.

2011: Brief Major League Appearance

In 2011, Mike Trout made a brief major league appearance for the Angels before becoming a regular player.

2011: Ranked Number One Prospect

Prior to the 2011 season, Mike Trout was ranked number one by ESPN's Keith Law in his top 100 prospects list and by MLB's Jonathan Mayo. Trout started the 2011 season with the Arkansas Travelers of the Class AA Texas League.

2012: Return to the Majors

In 2012, Mike Trout began the season with the Salt Lake Bees and was brought up to the majors on April 28 to replace Bobby Abreu.

2012: MVP Second Place

In 2012, Mike Trout finished second in the voting for American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP).

2012: American League Leader in Runs

In 2012, Mike Trout led the American League in runs scored, showcasing his offensive capabilities.

2012: Runs Scored in Rookie Season

In 2012, Mike Trout scored his 100th run of the season on August 26, becoming the second Angels rookie to score at least 100 runs in a season after Devon White and setting a new Angels record for runs scored in a rookie season.