Mike Trout got to take the All-Star stage in his own backyard Tuesday, and the moment carried extra weight for the Angels star.
Trout, who grew up about 45 minutes from Citizens Bank Park, was back for his 12th MLB All-Star Game appearance and his first start in the event since 2019. For the future Hall of Famer, it also meant a chance to show his All-Star status to his two young sons, Beckham and Jordy, for the first time.
“It (means) everything," Trout told Fox Sports before the first pitch. "I’m enjoying it. My kids are ... my whole family.
"Philadelphia is a special place."
The game itself was a quiet one for Trout. In Tuesday’s 96th MLB All-Star Game, he went 0-for-3 before being replaced by Ceddanne Rafaela.
The American League handled the National League 4-0, with the NL managing only three hits. The AL has now won 11 of the last 13 All-Star matchups.
Trout’s first trip to the plate came against Philadelphia Phillies starter Cristopher Sanchez, and he knew the assignment would not be easy. Trout said, "He’s one of the best pitcher in the league," and added, "He doesn’t leave anything in the middle. He knows how to pitch.”
Sanchez backed that up quickly, striking out Trout on six pitches. The at-bat ended with Trout swinging through an 87-mph changeup.
This year’s All-Star nod was Trout’s first as a starter since 2023. He entered the break with a .237/.390/.473 slash line, 18 home runs and 39 RBI. A hamstring strain in mid-June cost him 17 games, though he was back in time to be dressed Tuesday.
Even with the interruptions, Trout’s career power numbers still stand out. From 2021-25, he played in just 396 games, averaging about 79 games per season over that stretch. He remains No. 2 among active players with 422 home runs.
And even after three AL MVP awards and all those All-Star selections, Trout is still trying to win over the toughest critics in the house.
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