Growing up about 45 minutes from Citizens Bank Park, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout returned home Tuesday for his 12th MLB All-Star Game appearance.
It was a special event for the future Hall of Famer.
Making his first All-Star start since 2019, it was the 12-time participant’s first opportunity to show off 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.”
During Tuesday’s 96th edition of the MLB All-Star Game, Trout went 0-for-3 before being replaced by Ceddanne Rafaela.
The AL All-Stars earned a 4-0 victory over the NL, which produced just three hits. The AL has won 11 of 13 matchups.
Angels’ Mike Trout returns to All-Star Game
Eleven years ago, Trout led off the midseason classic with a home. Facing Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez, Trout anticipated a different type of challenge.
“He’s one of the best pitcher in the league,” Trout said. “He doesn’t leave anything in the middle. He knows how to pitch.”
He proved it by striking out Trout on six pitches, the finale coming on a whiffed 87-mph changeup.
Voted an All-Star starter for the first time since 2023, Trout mostly remained healthy this season, slashing .237/.390/.473 with 18 homers and 39 RBI. Besides a hamstring strain in Mid-June, Trout missed 17 games, but returned in time to dress Tuesday.
Injuries have continued to commandeer playing time from Trout. From 2021-25, Trout played in just 396 games, averaging about 79 games during that stretch.
Despite the lost time, Trout, who was selected for eight consecutive All-Star Games from 2012-19, remains No. 2 on the active home run list with 422.
Still, despite claiming three AL MVP honors, Trout is left trying to earn respect in his own household.
When asked if he would grow into a better player than his dad, 6-year-old Beckham said emphatically:
“Yes.”