Mike Trout, the Los Angeles Angels’ star outfielder and perpetual MVP candidate, is renowned for his prowess on the diamond, but his heart beats fervently for Philadelphia’s Eagles. Beyond the walls of the dugout, Trout is an unabashedly loyal fan of the football team he grew up cheering for, and he has now immortalized this passion in a truly unique manner.
Picture this: the culminating moments of the Eagles’ exhilarating Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, that game where Philadelphia fans collectively held their breath and then erupted in jubilation. Trout, there in spirit, transformed his joy into something tangible — inscribing “Fly Eagles Fly” and the game’s final score, “40-22,” on the base of one of his baseball bats. This wasn’t mere graffiti; it was a declaration etched in wood, a commemoration destined for the annals of sports memorabilia history.
Enter Topps, the venerable producer of iconic trading cards, whose affinity for innovation matches Trout’s own. They took a literal ‘slice’ of Trout’s fan fervor by lopping off that bat’s knob, complete with hand-lettered score, and embedded it into an exclusive autographed baseball card. For collectors, this is not just a card; it’s a piece of Philly folklore, enshrined and authenticated with Trout’s penmanship and passion.
Hailing from Millville, New Jersey, much closer to Eagles’ nest than Angel Stadium, Trout has never been coy about where his fandom lies. It’s less a side note and more a mantra in his life, played out in public and private alike. Whether donning the green at Lincoln Financial Field or receiving a game ball from then-Eagles star Darren Sproles back in 2018, his love for the team is unwavering.
Trout isn’t just a silent spectator. Back in 2018, ahead of another Eagles Super Bowl outing — that legendary clash against the Patriots — the Angels aligned a media call for him where he didn’t hide his allegiance. He boldly forecasted glory for the Eagles while contemplating wearing a dog mask, a nod to the underdog spirit embraced by the team.
While his baseball bag of accolades brims with achievements — including multiple MVP awards — the solitude of October baseball is not as kind. Playoff appearances have eluded the Angels and Trout’s postseason presence remains minimal, affording him the freedom each fall to watch every Eagles playoff run with unwavering dedication. Trout’s lucrative contract ensures he can surround himself with all things Eagles until 2030, theoretically powering him through both fandom and career plotting.
A series of injuries has somewhat marred Trout’s recent seasons as he’s endeavored to keep the Angels afloat in the competitive currents of the AL West. Yet the spirit of his fandom is a beacon through any slump, casting a long, green shadow over the greyest skies. You might spot him in the stands, or hear of him lending his vocal cords to the Eagles’ fight song, each note a testament to his loyalty.
There is a fantasy that persists, perhaps among those both on and off the field, of Trout one day switching sports allegiances in playing capacity — maybe taking a few at-bats for the Phillies, or something more speculative, like donning pads and taking a playful jab at filling the position of a fullback well into his forties.
Despite the whimsical nature of such scenarios, what remains steadfast is Trout’s place in the larger tapestry of Philadelphia sports history, his unwavering support from the baseball park to the football sidelines. And now, thanks to his partnership with Topps, one fortunate collector holds that support in their hands, perhaps thumbing the corners of a card that blurs the line between two sporting passions. With the Eagles’ colors drawn across his heart, Trout remains the patron saint of Phillies and Eagles dreams alike, and this Topps card speaks volumes of his double-play devotion.