Mike Trout is an American professional baseball player for the Los Angeles Angels. Widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time, he has received numerous accolades, including 11 MLB All-Star selections, three AL MVP awards, and nine Silver Slugger awards. He has also represented the United States in international competitions, captaining the national team during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
1934: Tying Hal Trosky's Record
In 1934, Cleveland Indians first baseman Hal Trosky set a Major League rookie record by scoring 34 runs in July.
1936: Matching Joe DiMaggio's Feat
In 1936, Joe DiMaggio became the first rookie to drive in at least 55 runs and score 80 runs in 81 games.
January 7, 1961: Birth of Mike Trout's Father
Mike Trout's father, Jeff, was born on January 7, 1961.
1964: 120 Runs Scored by Rookies
Only three other rookies had scored 120 or more runs in a season since 1964 before Mike Trout accomplished the feat in 2012.
1972: César Cedeño's Record
Houston Astros center fielder César Cedeño became the youngest player to hit at least 20 home runs and steal at least 40 bases in a season in 1972.
1983: Jeff Trout Drafted by the Twins
Jeff Trout was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 1983.
August 7, 1991: Birth of Mike Trout
Mike Trout was born on August 7, 1991, in Vineland, New Jersey.
2001: Matching Ichiro Suzuki's Achievement
In 2001, Ichiro Suzuki became the first American League rookie to win Rookie of the Month four times during a single season.
2001: Sammy Sosa's Scoring Streak
In 2001, Sammy Sosa scored three or more runs in one game 11 times, the most in MLB that season.
2008: Attending the Phillies World Series Parade
Mike Trout attended the Philadelphia Phillies World Series parade in 2008.
2009: Committing to East Carolina University
Mike Trout committed to play baseball at East Carolina University before the 2009 MLB Draft.
2009: Graduating from Millville Senior High School
Mike Trout graduated from Millville Senior High School in 2009.
2009: Starting Professional Career
Mike Trout started his professional career out of high school in 2009 playing for the Arizona Angels of the rookie-level Arizona League (AZL).
2009: Drafted by the Angels
The Angels selected Mike Trout in the first round of the 2009 MLB draft.
2010: Topps Minor League Player of the Year Award
Mike Trout received the Topps Minor League Player of the Year Award in 2010, becoming the youngest player to win the award at just 19 years and two months old.
2010: Playing for Cedar Rapids and Promotion to Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
Mike Trout started the 2010 season playing for Cedar Rapids. After the Futures game, he was promoted to the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of the Class A-Advanced California League.
July 8, 2011: Major League Debut
On July 8, 2011, Mike Trout made his major league debut for the Los Angeles Angels, replacing the injured Peter Bourjos in center field. He went 0-for-3 in his first game.
August 1, 2011: Sent Back to Double-A
On August 1, 2011, after a short stint with the Angels where he hit .163 with one home run and six runs batted in over 12 starts, Mike Trout was sent back to the Double-A Arkansas Travelers.
August 19, 2011: Trout Recalled and Hits Home Run at Angel Stadium
Mike Trout was recalled by the Angels on August 19, 2011, and he hit his first home run at Angel Stadium that night.
2011: Minor League Player of the Year
Mike Trout won the Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year award in 2011 after hitting .326/.414/.544 with 11 home runs, 38 RBIs, 82 runs scored, and 33 stolen bases in 91 games.
2011: Starting the Season with the Arkansas Travelers
Mike Trout started the 2011 season with the Arkansas Travelers of the Class AA Texas League.
2011: Brief MLB Debut
Mike Trout made a brief major league appearance in 2011.
October 2012: Trout Signs Endorsement Deals
In October 2012, Mike Trout signed a multi-year contract with J & J Snack Foods to endorse SuperPretzel. He also became a partner and investor in Bodyarmor SuperDrink.
2012: Trout Excels as Baserunner
Between 2012 and 2016, Mike Trout stole 142 bases at a success rate of 83 percent, showcasing his skills as a valuable baserunner.
2012: Top Batter in MLB
Between 2012 and 2019, Mike Trout was the most productive batter per plate appearance in MLB when adjusted for park factors (among all batters who had 1,000 or more plate appearances).
2012: Regular Player for the Angels
Mike Trout became a regular player for the Angels in the 2012 season.
2012: Trout's 20/40 Feat
Mike Trout became the youngest player ever to hit at least 20 home runs and steal at least 40 bases in a single season in 2012.
2012: Leading the American League in Runs
Mike Trout led the American League in runs in 2012.
2012: Called Up to Replace Bobby Abreu
Mike Trout started the 2012 season with the Salt Lake Bees of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. On April 28, he was again brought up to the majors, replacing the struggling Bobby Abreu.
2012: AL Rookie of the Year and First Cycle
Mike Trout won the American League Rookie of the Year Award unanimously in 2012.
2012: Millville High School Honors Trout's Jersey
Millville Senior High School began awarding Mike Trout's retired jersey number to the team captain starting in 2012.
2013: Leading the American League in Times on Base
Mike Trout led the American League in times on base in 2013.
2013: Second Place in AL MVP Voting
Mike Trout finished second in the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting in 2013.
February 2014: President Obama Uses Trout as Analogy
In February 2014, President Barack Obama used Mike Trout as an analogy for the 2014 U.S. Farm Bill, highlighting the bill's versatility and utility by comparing it to Trout's skills in baseball.
February 2014: Contract Extension Rumors
In February 2014, rumors circulated that the Angels were considering a six-year, $150 million contract for Trout. He initially signed a one-year deal for $1 million, the highest ever for a player not yet eligible for salary arbitration.
March 28, 2014: Mike Trout Signs Six-Year Contract Extension
On March 28, 2014, Mike Trout signed a six-year, $144.5 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Angels.
April 19, 2014: Trout Strikes Out Four Times Against Max Scherzer
On April 19, 2014, Trout struck out four consecutive times against Max Scherzer, his first golden sombrero in 353 games.
October 2014: Trout Signs Deal with Topps
In October 2014, Mike Trout signed a deal with Topps, granting them exclusive rights to sell his autographed baseball cards. This deal made him the face of their digital card collection app.
November 13, 2014: Trout Wins Unanimous AL MVP
On November 13, 2014, Mike Trout was unanimously voted AL MVP, becoming the sixth player to win both regular-season MVP and All-Star Game MVP in the same season.
2014: Trout's Season Performance and Strikeout Troubles
During the 2014 season, Trout hit .287 with 36 home runs, 111 RBIs, and 115 runs scored in 157 games. He also struck out a league-high 184 times, which he attributed to a "golf swing" he was working to correct.
2014: Trout Sets Strikeout Record and Seeks Improvement
In 2014, Mike Trout set a record for the most strikeouts during an MVP season, and expressed a desire to reduce his strikeout rate.
2014: First Postseason Home Run and Series Loss
In the 2014 ALDS against Kansas City, Trout hit his first postseason home run. However, the Angels lost the series in a sweep, marking Trout's only postseason appearance as of 2023.
2014: First AL MVP Award
Mike Trout won his first American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 2014.
April 17, 2015: Youngest Player to Reach 100 Home Runs and 100 Stolen Bases
On April 17, 2015, at 23 years and 253 days old, Trout became the youngest MLB player to achieve 100 home runs and 100 stolen bases.
2015: Leading the American League in Times on Base
Mike Trout led the American League in times on base in 2015.
2015: Trout Improves Strikeout Rate
After having MLB's 14th highest strikeout rate in 2014, Mike Trout improved to 26th in 2015.
2015: Second Place in AL MVP Voting
Mike Trout finished second in the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting in 2015.
2015: Trout Supports SPCA Campaign
In 2015, Mike Trout appeared in promotional materials for a campaign conducted by the Cumberland County chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to promote the spaying and neutering of pit bulls.
2015: Trout Acknowledges Weakness and Improves
In 2015, Mike Trout acknowledged that he had a vulnerability against high pitches. He later improved his contact rate and slugging percentage against high fastballs.
June 2016: Sporting News Names Trout Baseball's Best Player
In June 2016, Sporting News declared Mike Trout the best active player in baseball.
August 12, 2016: Trout Accumulates Most WAR Through Age 24
By August 12, 2016, Trout accumulated more WAR through age 24 than any other player since 1913 (45 WAR).
2016: Trout Further Improves Strikeout Rate
After improving to the 26th highest strikeout rate in 2015, Mike Trout improved again to 59th in 2016.
2016: Trout Excels as Baserunner
Between 2012 and 2016, Mike Trout stole 142 bases at a success rate of 83 percent, showcasing his skills as a valuable baserunner.
2016: Leading the American League in Runs
Mike Trout led the American League in runs in 2016.
2016: Trout Wins Second AL MVP Award
Mike Trout won his second AL MVP award in 2016, becoming the second player in MLB history to finish top 2 for MVP in five consecutive seasons.
2016: Second AL MVP Award
Mike Trout won his second American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 2016.
2016: Trout Renews Deal with Topps
Mike Trout's deal with Topps, signed in 2014, was renewed in 2016.
May 28, 2017: Trout Suffers Thumb Injury and Undergoes Surgery
On May 28, 2017, Trout sprained his left thumb, which was later revealed to be a torn ulnar collateral ligament. This injury required surgery and placed him on the disabled list for the first time in his career, sidelining him for 6-8 weeks.
September 6, 2017: Trout Sets Franchise Record for Consecutive Games with a Walk
On September 6, 2017, Trout surpassed Albie Pearson's 1961 Angels franchise record by drawing a walk in his 14th straight game.
September 29, 2017: Trout Hits 200th Career Home Run
Mike Trout hit his 200th career home run on September 29, 2017, off Marco Gonzales of the Seattle Mariners, becoming one of seven players to reach this milestone before turning 26.
December 9, 2017: Trout Marries Jessica Cox
Mike Trout married his longtime girlfriend Jessica Cox on December 9, 2017.
August 10, 2018: Mike Trout Placed on Disabled List
On August 10, 2018, Mike Trout was placed on the disabled list due to right wrist inflammation. This came after he was named a starting outfielder for the 2018 MLB All-Star Game, where he hit a home run.
2018: Mike Trout's Impressive 2018 Season Statistics
By the end of the 2018 season, Mike Trout had impressive statistics, batting .312 with 39 home runs and 79 RBIs. He led the league in on-base percentage and had the highest ISO (Isolated Power) of all MLB players. He also led AL outfielders with a 1.000 fielding percentage.
2018: Mike Trout's Dominant 2018 Season
In 2018, Mike Trout was rated the #1 player in baseball by Sports Illustrated. He achieved his first career five-hit game on May 26th at Yankee Stadium. He also set single-game career highs in doubles, extra base hits, and total bases. Trout led the MLB with 23 home runs by June 12th.
2018: Second Place in AL MVP Voting
Mike Trout finished second in the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting in 2018.
2018: Leading the American League in Times on Base
Mike Trout led the American League in times on base in 2018.
March 2019: Trout's Endorsement Deals
As of March 2019, Mike Trout had an estimated $2.5 million in endorsement deals.
March 20, 2019: Mike Trout Signs Historic Contract
On March 20, 2019, Mike Trout signed a 12-year, $426 million contract with the Angels, making it the richest contract in North American sports history at the time.
October 24, 2019: Mike Trout Wins AL Hank Aaron Award and AL MVP
On October 24, 2019, Mike Trout won the AL Hank Aaron Award and was named the AL MVP for the third time in his career, joining teammate Albert Pujols as the only active MLB players with three MVP awards.
2019: Mike Trout Undergoes Surgery, Ends 2019 Season
In 2019, Mike Trout underwent a cryoablation procedure and later full-fledged surgery to address a neuroma in his right foot, ending his season. Despite this, he finished with a career-high 45 home runs and led the American League in on-base percentage and slugging percentage.
2019: Third AL MVP Award and Record Contract
Mike Trout won his third American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 2019. In the same year, he signed a 12-year, $426 million contract with the Angels, the second-richest contract in the history of North American sports.
2019: Top Batter in MLB
Between 2012 and 2019, Mike Trout was the most productive batter per plate appearance in MLB when adjusted for park factors (among all batters who had 1,000 or more plate appearances).
July 6, 2020: Patrick Mahomes Surpasses Trout's Contract
On July 6, 2020, Patrick Mahomes signed a 10-year, $503 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, surpassing Mike Trout's contract as the richest in North American sports history.
July 30, 2020: Trout's Son is Born
Mike Trout's son was born on July 30, 2020.
August 23, 2020: Trout Trading Card Sets Record Price
On August 23, 2020, a Mike Trout trading card sold for $3.93 million at auction, breaking the record for the most expensive sports card sale.
September 5, 2020: Mike Trout Breaks Angels' All-Time Home Run Record
On September 5, 2020, Mike Trout hit his 300th career home run, breaking the Angels' all-time home run record previously held by Tim Salmon. This occured during a pandemic-shortened season where he hit .281 with 17 home runs and 46 RBIs.
November 2020: Trout Trading Card Record Broken
Mike Trout's record for the most expensive sports card sale, set in August 2020, was broken in November 2020 when a signed Mickey Mantle Topps trading card from 1952 was sold for $5.2 million.
March 2021: Trout Signs Largest Contract with Topps
In March 2021, Mike Trout signed the largest and longest contract Topps had ever signed with an individual athlete.
May 17, 2021: Mike Trout Suffers Calf Injury
On May 17, 2021, Mike Trout strained his right calf while jogging the bases during a game against the Cleveland Indians. He was placed on the injured list and ultimately missed the rest of the season due to a torn calf muscle.
2021: Brandon Marsh Plays Center Field During Trout's Injury
During Mike Trout's injury in 2021, former top prospect Brandon Marsh played center field for the Angels. This led to considerations of permanently moving Trout out of the position upon his return in 2022.
March 13, 2022: Team Considers Moving Trout Out of Center Field
On March 13, 2022, the Angels considered moving Mike Trout out of center field to prevent further injuries. Trout expressed his preference to remain in center field, and the team ultimately decided against the move.
July 19, 2022: Mike Trout to Captain US National Baseball Team in 2023 World Baseball Classic
On July 19, 2022, Mike Trout was announced as the captain of the United States national baseball team for the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
2022: Mike Trout Diagnosed with Costovertebral Dysfunction
In 2022, Mike Trout experienced back spasms and was diagnosed with costovertebral dysfunction, a rare back disorder. He returned from the injured list in August and finished the season with a .283 batting average, 40 home runs, and 80 RBIs in 119 games.
March 2023: Leading Active Players in Key Stats
As of March 2023, Mike Trout leads all active major league players in career slugging percentage (.587), on-base percentage (.415), and OPS (1.002), and is third in stolen base percentage (84.65%).
April 15, 2023: Mike Trout Reaches 300 Doubles Milestone
On April 15, 2023, Mike Trout hit his 300th career double, becoming the fourth player in MLB history to reach 300 doubles, 300 home runs, and 200 stolen bases by his age-31 season, joining Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, and Willie Mays.
2023: USA Loses to Japan in 2023 World Baseball Classic Final
In 2023, Mike Trout captained the United States national baseball team to the final of the World Baseball Classic, where they lost 3-2 to Japan. Notably, Trout was struck out by his then-Angels teammate Shohei Ohtani for the final out of the game.
2023: Captain of the US National Team
Mike Trout captained the United States national team during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
April 9, 2024: Mike Trout Sets Angels Franchise Record for Fastest to Six Home Runs
On April 9, 2024, Mike Trout hit a home run in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays, becoming the fastest player in Angels franchise history to reach six home runs, achieving the feat in just eleven games.