Mike Trout, the Los Angeles Angels’ standout, is no stranger to accolades in Major League Baseball, with three American League MVP awards under his belt. Yet, when it comes to sports passions, his heart beats strongest for his hometown football squad, the Philadelphia Eagles. This devotion is not just whispered in the quiet corners of the dugout—it’s etched right into the paraphernalia of America’s pastime in a way that’s as imaginative as it is endearing.
After watching the Eagles soar to a triumphant victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, Trout celebrated this achievement not with traditional memorabilia, but by transforming a piece of baseball equipment into a homage to his beloved football team. On the end of one of his trusty bats, he inscribed “Fly Eagles Fly” alongside the victorious tally “40-22,” encapsulating that joyous February finale. This personal tribute was more than just a fleeting tribute to a game—it was physical proof of Trout’s legendary fandom.
In a fortuitous twist, this seemingly simple gesture has now been immortalized by Topps, a leader in sports memorabilia. The knob from Trout’s bat, featuring his handwritten score and his autograph, has been meticulously cut and embedded into a unique and exclusive autographed baseball card. This card stands not just as a testament to Trout’s baseball greatness, but to the lengths he’ll go to celebrate his hometown team.
Trout hails from Millville, New Jersey, a stone’s throw from Philadelphia, making his allegiance to the Eagles a local affair. His enthusiasm for the team is no secret; he’s the kind of fan who shows up in the stands at Lincoln Financial Field on game days. Back in 2018, he was even graciously gifted a game ball by none other than Darren Sproles, a cherished memory for any fan.
His passion crosses into public pronouncements as well. Prior to Super Bowl LII—when the Eagles famously clashed with the New England Patriots—Trout did not shy away from favorably betting on his team. He enthusiastically declared his support during a media call arranged by the Angels, with the situation only enriched by his mention of donning the underdog symbol of the time—a dog mask, emblematic of the Eagles’ rallying cry in their playoff run.
While Trout’s professional career with the Angels makes for impressive reading, with accolades and salaries to make anyone envious, his postseason experience remains brief. With just a single playoff appearance, Trout finds himself with ample time during the fall to watch and support the Eagles’ pursuits of glory. Moreover, his well-structured contract will see him raking in a cool $37 million annually until 2030, ensuring he can accumulate Eagles memorabilia to his heart’s content.
His commitment to the Eagles goes beyond passive support, serving as an emotional crutch when personal achievements are at arm’s length. Amid recent seasons clouded by injuries and the Angels’ struggles within the AL West, Trout’s steadfast support for the Birds has been a source of joy and consistency.
There’s always a dream lurking in the minds of Trout’s fans—a fantastical vision where he might one day switch leagues and cities, either stepping into the Phillies’ lineup or embarking on a brief football career as possibly the oldest fullback ever. While such musings are reserved for daydreams, the real-world tether remains his indomitable Eagles spirit, now solidified in the form of this innovative baseball card.
For one fortunate collector, clutching this singular card will feel akin to holding a piece of Trout’s unwavering loyalty—a rare crossroad of sporting excellence and fandom. Until such whimsical dreams materialize into reality, this artifact serves as a testament to Trout’s dualistic identity: a giant on the diamond and a fierce supporter of his hometown heroes. For fans across both disciplines, it offers a little glimmer of what makes Mike Trout not just a remarkable athlete but a true sports enthusiast.
