Thank You, Mike Trout

Today was a big day for baseball in South Jersey.  For those of you who may have missed it today, baseball's top prospect and former Millville High School star Mike Trout was called up to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim today from Double-A Arkansas.  The Angels' first-round selection (25th overall) in 2009 was hitting .338 this year in Double-A with 11 triples, 9 home runs, 69 runs scored, and 8 stolen bases.  These stats, and the fact that he can pretty much do anything on the field short of making the ball move with his mind, have earned the 19 year-old the title of baseball's top prospect to most, depending on whether or not you like Nationals' prospect and young phenom Bryce Harper more.

I can't believe I'm almost a full year older than this kid.

Trout has developed a squeaky-clean personality through his interviews and kind personality both on and off the field, something that can only help your reputation (that, and the the fact he's from South Jersey... just sayin).  Today he has done what few prospects ever do, especially ones drafted out of high school, he has been called up to the big leagues in a mere 2 years after being drafted.  One thing is inarguable, the kid can flat-out play.  He can hit for power and average, he can run, he can play the field, and he has an arm; a true five-tool player.

However, what he does for his team from here on out and how many All-Star games he is selected to is just icing on the cake.  What he has done for this area, and what he is doing for baseball is what should really be appreciated.  Granted it is really cool seeing a player from our area be selected in the first round of the draft and making it to the big leagues (and hopefully succeeding) is really cool, especially for some of my friends from high school who had the honor of playing against this kid (he played for Millville High School, who plays in the same conference as my alma mater, Absegami).  But what he really did for the area was make little kids believe.  He gave local kids a glimpse of hope and showed them that kids from anywhere can make it with hard work and determination.  Although he was blessed with great athleticism and skill, he harnessed his abilities and was able to make good on them.

Even more than this, he has shown those kids who have been, or should be, inspired by him the right way to do it all.  In a world of unnecessary, flashy plays and cocky attitudes, Mike Trout has made it to the big league with class and a big smile.  He has shown us that you don't need to be outspoken and controversial to succeed, that you can do it quietly while making your presence felt on the field.  I have never seen an interview with him where he has given an arrogant response or a snide remark; the kid says the right thing.

So, Mike Trout, I wish you all the best in your hopefully-lengthy and prosperous major league career, because you truly deserve any success you obtain.  From myself, and South Jersey, I thank you. Thank you for giving kids a reason to believe, and thank you for reminding us what baseball is all about.

-TA