SAN DIEGO -- Mike Trout was in constant motion in the moments leading up to Tuesday's All-Star Game presented by MasterCard, his fifth in five full seasons in the Major Leagues. He frantically darted in and out of Petco Park's home clubhouse, signing jerseys, doing promotions, making TV appearances and never really getting in front of his locker until it was almost time to report for pregame batting practice.
A camera instantly pointed in his direction.
"I have to go hit," Trout said.
"Two questions?" the reporter pleaded.
"OK."
Trout is a veteran at these things, but even at 24 years old, he has learned to slow things down, in his own way.
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"You can't take this for granted," Trout said before his American League teammates defeated the National League, 4-2. "You have to enjoy every minute of it. I was very fortunate to do it."
Trout began his latest All-Star Game with a clean single up the middle against Giants starter Johnny Cueto, his sixth hit in his first 11 at-bats at the event. The Angels' center fielder then struck out against Marlins ace Jose Fernandez, who got Trout to swing through a full-count curveball, and hit into a fielder's choice before coming out of the game.
Trout wasn't named Most Valuable Player of the Midsummer Classic for a third straight year, but he may start a new career All-Star Game cycle.
Trout hit a single in his first at-bat in 2012, then a double in his first at-bat in '13, a triple in his first at-bat in '14 and a homer in his first at-bat in '15. He is the first player in history to collect a hit in his first plate appearance of five consecutive All-Star Games, and his six overall hits are the second most for someone under 25 years old, behind only Ken Griffey Jr.'s eight.
"I don't think about that stuff," said Trout, who already has the most All-Star Game hits in Angels history. "Last two [All-Star Games], I just went out there and played, and at the end of the day I won two [MVPs]. I can't put pressure on myself. I didn't even really think about it during the game."
Trout said his first two All-Star Games were "like a blur."
Now?
"I'm enjoying it more," Trout said. "The first couple went so fast. I tried to do everything. Now I can enjoy it more."