MINNEAPOLIS -- Philadelphia sports fans are notorious for being incredibly passionate but tough on opposing players.
But they always make an exception for one of their own in Angels superstar Mike Trout, who received huge ovations from the crowds at Citizens Bank Park when he played there in 2014, ’22 and ’25. And now Trout, who grew up 40 miles away in Millville, N.J., will have a homecoming on a national stage with the All-Star Game set to be held in Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
Trout was elected as a starter for the 11th time, and this will mark his 12th selection, but it’s the first time he’s played in a Midsummer Classic since 2019.
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Trout, who just returned from the injured list on Wednesday after missing 17 games with a strained right hamstring, said on Friday that he’s looking forward to being able to spend the All-Star festivities with his family, including his wife, Jessica, and their sons, Beckham and Jordy.
“The fans have been awesome,” Trout said prior to the Angels' 4-3 win in their series opener against the Twins on Friday at Target Field. “I know how Eagles fans are when an opposing player comes into town. So to hear that ovation, it means a lot. The fans of Philly sports, they appreciate people that play the game hard and play the game the right way, and that's how I’ve been since I was a kid. I know they see that, and I don't take it for granted playing this game.”
While Trout is excited for his Philly homecoming, he also knows he’ll be pressed with plenty of questions during media day on Monday about the upcoming Trade Deadline. He’s well aware that local and national reporters will be asking him if he wants to be traded, especially to Philadelphia. The Angels haven’t made the postseason since 2014 and entered Friday’s series opener 20 games under .500.
“Oh, I know I'm going to hear that a thousand times,” Trout said. “The thing is, I have a no-trade clause. So, like, it can happen whenever. Ultimately, it comes down to what me and my family want. So I just think it's so hilarious when guys keep asking me.”
Trout was quick to clarify that he wants to remain with the Angels, the organization he’s played for since 2011. He signed a 12-year deal worth $426.5 million that runs through 2030.
“Yeah, for sure,” Trout said if he wants to remain with the Angels. “For sure.”
He said he plans to talk with interim general manager John Mozeliak after this weekend’s Draft and after the All-Star break about his status. But for now, he’s simply looking forward to spending time with his family and friends during the All-Star week festivities and playing in front of his hometown crowd on Tuesday.
“They’re all fired up,” Trout said. “They’re already back home and looking forward to it. I know my wife is, too. It’s going to be a cool couple of days.”
Trout’s teammates are also excited for him, especially with him rightfully being back on the big stage. Trout, a three-time AL MVP, has slashed .230/.388/.471 with 18 homers, 12 doubles, seven stolen bases and 39 RBIs in 76 games this season.
“It's huge,” said right fielder Jo Adell. “And to be able to have that hometown celebration, I’m sure it's going to be a lot of standing ovations and stuff going on for him. He’s one of the best players of all time and one of the best I've ever seen. I've been lucky to be around him for this many years. Just glad to see him back feeling good and going to be able to experience that, and it's pretty cool that it's at home for him.”
Angels manager Kurt Suzuki is also happy for Trout and noted that they were All-Stars together in Minnesota in 2015. Suzuki was playing for the Twins then and caught the final inning of a win for the American League while Trout earned All-Star Game MVP honors for a second straight year. But Suzuki said this one will mean even more for Trout, given where he is in his career and that it’ll be near his hometown.
“That's going to be something special for Mike,” Suzuki said. “I know he's been thinking about that a lot, and especially coming into the year, he knew it was going to be in Philly. That's something special for him, and the guy deserves it. His career speaks for itself, but now to be able to go play an All-Star game really close to home, it's definitely going to be a cool experience for him.”