Mike Trout outdoes himself to rob Jesus Montero of home run (VIDEO)

It was starting to feel like highlight clips of Mike Trout had been relatively scarce over the past few weeks — emphasis on relatively. But just when you start thinking maybe the Angels centerfielder is merely mortal, he goes out and performs a feat to remind us that he is something more.

The 24-year-old already has more sensational catches in his four-year career than most respected veteran outfielders, but this incredible catch confirms that Trout is way more than your normal player.

With two men on base in the top of the fourth inning of Saturday's game against the Seattle Mariners, Trout scaled the Angel Stadium wall to rob Jesus Montero of a three-run homer. Not only did the four-time All-Star hang onto the wall to make the catch, but Trout also alertly got the ball back to the infield to keep the runners from advancing.



Throw in the fact that the Angels won a 3-2 game with Wild Card implications, and that's one timely catch even Trout will find hard to top.

So it's worth seeing again:

Congrats on your home run Jesus Montero ... oh sorry Mike Trout happened (via @MLB) http://t.co/PpHy2CdvD2 https://t.co/Q4D6tgFEPU

— SB Nation (@SBNation) September 27, 2015

Kevin Kiermaier's home run-robbing catch at Camden Yards was 'Trout-like' (VIDEO)

During the Rays' 6-3 win over the Orioles at Camden Yards on Monday, Rays centerfielder Kevin Kiermaier showed once again why he is quickly becoming one of the best defensive outfielders in Major League Baseball.

Kiermaier chased down a first-inning Manny Machado fly ball to deep right-center and made a leaping catch that was well ... "Trout-like."

The catch helped Tampa Bay move to within 3 1/2 games of Texas for the second Wild Card spot. And you know Kiermaier's pitcher, Chris Archer, appreciated the leaping grab, even if he didn't show it.

Kiermaier was later forced to leave the game with a mild ankle strain but the comparisons to Mike Trout's spectacular catch at the Camden Yards fence in 2012 stayed on everyone's mind.

You make the comparison:

Mike Trout had quite a birthday...powdered head and all (VIDEO)

There are a lot of things Mike Trout does really well, hitting home runs, throwing out runners and, apparently, letting himself be part of a locker room gag.

And on his 24th birthday Friday, the reigning AL and All-Star MVP did all three.

First, the Angels star was treated to a pre-game birthday cake — in the form of powder and a cracked egg on top of his head — by teammate Albert Pujols (probably the only one with enough clubhouse clout who could get away with it). Kole Calhoun captured the shenanigans:

With no candles to blow out, Trout just treated himself to a home run for the third time on his birthday — a 423-foot shot that the slugger will probably re-gift to opposing teams in the future.

Then two innings later, threw out Adam Jones at second base with laser shot from the outfield wall before the Angels went on to beat the Orioles 8-4.

Quite a night.



The Angels might want to start celebrating every player's birthday by dumping cake mix onto their head. Blowing out the candles is overrated anyway.

Kershaw freezes out Trout in historic MVP matchup (VIDEO)

Never before had reigning league MVPs ever faced each other during the regular season. And this matchup had to have a winner. So score it Clayton Kershaw 1, Mike Trout 0.

VIDEO: Clayton Kershaw FREEZES Mike Trout in round 1 of MVP vs. MVP. http://t.co/zWD3bQi94y pic.twitter.com/mCrWEvOwtI

— theScore (@theScore) August 1, 2015

At Dodger Stadium on Saturday afternoon, the Dodgers and Angels played a big game between the two playoff contenders, but the real subplot, not surprisingly, was the face-to-face between Kershaw and Trout.

And Kershaw retired Trout three times, striking him out once, like this, in the first inning:

Round 1 goes to the Southpaw. https://t.co/aKFld39Vdh #MVPvsMVP

— MLB (@MLB) August 1, 2015

But not so fast claimed Angels fans after they saw this strange looking graphic. According to this Twitter post, Kershaw was about 1.1 inches out of the strike zone.

Call helps #Dodgers Strike 3 should be ball 2 Top 1 Kershaw vs Trout 28% call same 1.1in from edge pic.twitter.com/sfuVnfmACJ

— Dodgers Strike Zone (@DodgersUmp) August 1, 2015

Kershaw won the battle and the war, throwing eight two-hit innings, as the Dodgers beat the Angels 3-1. But maybe Trout will get a shot at redemption in a Freeway World Series?

J.J. Watt jacks a few home runs during BP at Minute Maid Park (VIDEO)

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt spent his Thursday afternoon visiting Minute Maid Park and MLB.com Astros reporter Chandler Rome posted video of Watt launching a few into the seats during batting practice.

Watt not only hit the balls, the sack machine sent some into the stratosphere.

JJ Watt after he hit a home run: "I like hitting people better." #Astrosl https://t.co/PqoNkQHlkS

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 30, 2015

Mike Trout was there with the Angels, so JJ asked him to throw a pitch just "for a picture."

When Watt met Trout pic.twitter.com/hfhFWZRZR1

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 30, 2015

While Trout is arguably the Face of Baseball, it wouldn't be stretch to call Watt the Face of Football. 

And the funny thing is they look like brothers.

Mike Trout and Todd Frazier jet home to New Jersey together after All-Star Game

New Jersey baseball was in the spotlight at this year's MLB All-Star Game and what better way for the two Joisey stars to get back to the Garden State than by private jet.

That's right. All-Star Game MVP Mike Trout and Home Run Derby champion Todd Frazier returned to New Jersey in the early morning hours on Wednesday on a private jet.

Because that's how they roll ... fly.

Frazier wowed the Great American Ballpark crowd on Monday night with three walk-off victories to win the revamped Home Run Derby, the night before Trout's second straight MVP performance at the Summer Classic.

Even though Trout won a 2015 Silverado Midnight truck (For being the game's MVP) the two friends left Cincinatti by air and both will spend the rest of the break in South Jersey. Trout is from Millville, and Frazier from not-so-far Toms River.

Trout told USA TODAY the plan to share the private jet together was worked about a month ago.

"Me and Todd, we go back a while," Trout said. "We're always messing with each other. He's a great guy."

Frazier !!!!! #Jersey #HRDerby

— Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) July 14, 2015

Jersey owned the house.

Mets' Jacob deGrom wants a piece of Mike Trout in All-Star Game

Jacob deGrom is gunning for Mike Trout.

The New York Mets righthander with the wild mop of hair said that of all the players on the American League team he could face on Tuesday in the All-Star Game in Cincinnati, he’d relish the challenge of going high-and-tight against the Angels' less shaggy superstar.

“He’s a great hitter. I think it’d be fun to face him and try to get him out,” deGrom said with a smile.

DeGrom is the lone Mets representative on the National League squad for the Midsummer Classic, with a 9-6 record, 2.14 ERA and 0.92 WHIP. With Washington’s Max Scherzer ruled out for the starting assignment after pitching on Sunday, deGrom is in the conversation to be tabbed. The Dodgers’ Zack Greinke, now 8-2 with a 1.39 ERA, is the probable choice.

“If I did get to start, it would be a lot of fun,” deGrom said.

Chris Young's reaction to Mike Trout robbing him of hit is priceless (VIDEO)

Mike Trout made three sparkling defensive plays and hit a home run off CC Sabathia in the Angels' victory over the Yankees Monday night. And even the Yankees players had to marvel at Trout's skills with the glove and bat — all except one.

Chris Young thought he had an extra-base hit after hitting the ball deep to centerfield ...twice. And both times, Trout was there to say, "Not in my house."

It’s hard not to love @MikeTrout … unless you’re @CY24_7. pic.twitter.com/7ro4PtKKY7

— MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) June 30, 2015

Young is visibly upset at being robbed the second time and his reaction is priceless.

Both of those hits could have brought home a run for the Yankees had they got by Trout. And since the Angels beat the Yankees 4-1, the catches were instrumental in the Angels win.

Here's the one-man wrecking crew at work:

Angels draft Mike Trout's girlfriend's little brother

Call it keeping it in the family or, maybe, sucking up to your star player but, with the 585th pick of the 2015 MLB draft, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim selected Mike Trout's girlfriend's little brother.

Aaron Cox, a pitcher/infielder out of Gannon University, will now play for the same organization as his older sister Jessica's boyfriend — unofficially known as the Face of MLB and the official reigning MVP.

And the pick was fully endorsed by that other Jersey Guy:

Big congrats to my boy @Aaroncox19 getting drafted by the #Angels !! #MLBDraft #soSick

— Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) June 10, 2015

Mike Trout sparks bench-clearing discussion between Angels and Royals (VIDEO)

Tempers flared, benches cleared and things were discussed during the Angels-Royals game Sunday after Yordan Ventura confronted Mike Trout as the Los Angeles slugger slid into home plate and shouted something the Kansas City pitcher apparently didn't like.

Even with Ventura dominating the Angels 7-1 on the mound, the lanky 180-pound pitcher got things started by staring down the muscular 235-pound Trout as the slugger stood on first base.

Albert Pujols then doubled, driving in Trout — and that's when things really got testy. The pitcher confronted Trout and had to be pulled away as both benches and bullpens emptied.

After order was restored, Pujols tried to steal third and was thrown out easily. Ventura was later removed because of a muscle cramp in his thigh.

Or more likely one in his mouth.

Angels celebrate Mike Trout's big night with a rosin bag beaning (VIDEO)

Angels outfielder Mike Trout had himself a pretty good night on Saturday against the Rangers. The MVP candidate went 2-for-3 with a walk, a two-run home run and a triple.

So how did Trout's teammates honor their teammate? No post-game Gatorade shower or shaving cream pie for this group. Nope. They just hit him in the back of the head with a rosin bag during an interview:

Speaking of heads, Trout even touched Adrian Beltre's noggin without the Rangers third baseman blowing his top:

Trout's Jersey Guy seems to be rubbing off on the rest of his West Coast teammates — who are a pretty loose group of players as they head into the playoffs.

Mike Trout nearly hits ball through Minute Maid Park's roof (VIDEO)

It's no secret Mike Trout can hit the long ball with the best of them. But the Angels' all-everything player might have set a record for highest pop up — even when it came inside a domed stadium.

Trout sent this first-inning sky ball so high at Minute Maid Park, it would have put a hole in the the old Astrodome.

Although Trout only hit the rafters Tuesday night, the ball still took 8.17 seconds from the time it came off his bat until it bounced off Astros catcher Jason Castro's mitt.

Pretty amazing, especially when you realize most home run balls take 4-6 seconds to leave the park.

Still, you know the centerfielder would have rather seen the ball go long than high.

Mike Trout chooses Corvette over pick-up truck for MVP prize (PHOTO)

For winning the Most Valuable Player Award in the MLB All-Star Game in Minneapolis on Tuesday night, Mike Trout had a decision to make on his prize: a silver Corvette or a white Chevy Silverado pickup truck.

Either vehicle would have suited Trout's speedster or workmanlike traits on the baseball field but, in the end, the 22-year-old New Jersey native took the sleek sports car.

Trout went 2-for-3 with a double, a triple and two RBI in the American League's 5-3 victory — and left little doubt who would be carrying on Derek Jeter's legacy as the "Face of MLB." 

Trout chose the Corvette, much to the delight of his mother, who joined him on the field after the game.

“I’m speechless right now,” Trout said when presented with the award.

Mike Trout is your 2014 MLB All-Star Game MVP. He chose the Corvette over the truck. pic.twitter.com/rhFJ8kr3MG
— SB Nation (@SBNation) July 16, 2014

Mike Trout and Coco Crisp exchange home run robbing catches (VIDEO)

In the first inning of Wednesday's A's-Angels game, Mike Trout robbed Yoenis Cespedes of a home run with a beautifully timed leap over the center field wall at Angels Stadium.

Coco Crisp then pays back his teammate by denying Josh Hamilton of a solo shot in the next inning with an effortless catch of his own — keeping the score tied at 0-0.

Here's both catches to compare:

Both home run thefts are pretty impressive, so I guess you could call it a push.

Yoenis Cespedes makes unreal throw to nail Howie Kendrick at the plate (VIDEO)

With the A's and Angels tied at one in the bottom of the 8th, Mike Trout hit a ball into left field that bounced off the tip of Yoenis Cespedes' glove. Instead of respecting the well-known cannon that the leftfielder calls an arm, Howie Kendrick made a mad dash for home plate and paid for his challenge.

After the ball rolled into the left field corner, Cespedes picked it up and made the unbelievable throw to nab Kendrick at the plate, keeping the game tied at 1 in the 8th.

Here's the play at the plate:

Even though the A's went on to lose, 2-1,  in 14 innings, Cespedes had reason to smile for a moment at his incredible handiwork ... I mean arm work.

Mike Trout's grand slam helps power Angels over White Sox (VIDEO)

Mike Trout launched a grand slam to center field off Chris Sale, tying the game at 5 in the bottom of the 8th inning Saturday night.

Trout's second grand salami of his career highlighted the Angels' six run rally in the inning and they went on to beat the White Sox, 6-5.

The packed Angels Stadium crowd was treated to a classic power vs power payoff situation and exploded as Trout sent the ball over the wall.

Trout wasn't finished and led a wild celebration inside the home team's dugout too.

Derek Jeter leading American League All-Star shortstop voting: Report

If the early polls are any indication, Derek Jeter is headed for one final All-Star Game. 

The first American League voting results for the 2014 All-Star Game have been announced, and if the vote ended today, Tigers and Yankees fans would be very happy. 

Every position but third base has a Detroit or New York player among the top three, including all six starting outfielders among the top 15 at that position. That includes early leads for the Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera (first base) and Ian Kinsler (second base), Jeter (shortstop) and Jacoby Ellsbury (outfield).

Jeter (.269 BA, 1 HR, 10 RBIs) holds a 130,000-vote lead at shortstop over Alexei Ramirez (.324, 7 HR, 36 RBIs) of the White Sox. The soon-to-be-retired shortstop has received more than 600,000 votes, third in the AL behind Mike Trout and Jose Bautista.

“I always tell you guys, All-Star games are great,” Jeter said. “It’s a fun experience. You never know when you’re going to get a chance to go, but it’s something that I think every player would look forward to.”

Jeter said it was far too early to think about whether he’ll be voted in, remembering 1999, when Nomar Garciaparra overtook him on the final day of voting.

“I was leading until like a couple of hours left in the voting and then Nomar got me,” Jeter said. “Honestly, I haven’t thought about it. I was not even aware that it comes out this soon. But I’ve appreciated every single one that I’ve gone to.”

Jeter has been selected to 13 All-Star teams, earning the starting nod from the fan vote eight times. This year’s game takes place at Target Field in Minneapolis on July 15.

Too bad that with all that Jeter love, there's bound to be a lot of haters.

Mike Trout helps NJ high schooler land prom date

Mike Trout, the Los Angeles Angels phenom, has become one of the biggest stars in baseball — but it seems the New Jersey native hasn't forgotten his roots … or what high school proms are about. 

The MLB All-Star recently took time on Twitter to help Tim Moraski — a senior at Northern Valley Regional high-school in New Jersey — ask his girlfriend to prom.

Moraski told NJ.com that he messaged Trout on Twitter about the idea, not expecting an answer.

"But he said he would help out," Moraski said.

Hey @emilycaracciolo your boy @Tim_Moraski is too shy to ask you so I thought I would help him out...Will you go to prom with him ???!
— Mike Trout (@Trouty20) May 19, 2014

Emily Caracciolo -- who is actually Moraski's girlfriend -- accepted the invitation. Although Moraski admits he had previously asked Caracciolo to the prom prior to Trout stepping in, Caracciolo seemed pretty excited about being asked again.

A tweet from Trout has that effect.

@Trouty20 @Tim_Moraski YES!! Omg omg omg yes 😍😍😍😍
— Emily Caracciolo (@emilycaracciolo) May 19, 2014

"I didn't expect it to get the attention it did," said Moraski after national news networks jumped on the story.

Moraski said he has since talked to the Angels outfielder, thanking him for his assistance in snagging a prom date.

"He just said 'no problem bud'," said Moraski.

And here's the happy couple.

Mike Trout's first walk-off HR completes Angels rally over Rays (VIDEO)

Mike Trout launched a three-run walk-off home run, the first walk-off homer of his career, to finish off a dramatic rally by the Los Angeles Angels Thursday night.

Trout greeted Brad Boxberger with the game-ending homer to cap a four-run ninth inning and give the Angels a 6-5 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in the opener of a four-game series.

Something tells me, it won't be his last walk-off dinger.

Mike Trout gets standing ovation from Phillies crowd (VIDEO)

Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout grew up in Millville, New Jersey — which is roughly 45 miles from Philadelphia. So if Trout does have a "hometown" city in Major League Baseball, it would be The City of Brotherly Love.

And the appreciative Phillies crowd inside Citizens Bank Park Tuesday night embraced the visiting phenom like a hometown hero.

That's right. The same fans who have booed Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny stood and cheered for an opposing player.

Over 4,000 people bought tickets as a part of the Millville Night celebration at the park and countless others came to see the former South Jersey star for the first time.

Trout got the rousing ovation prior to his first professional at-bat ever in Philadelphia.

"It was a special moment for me, a real special moment," said the 22-year-old Trout. "It felt unbelievable to take it in a little longer. A lot of things were going through my mind – excited, anxious, chills. It's a feeling you can't describe. It's just an unbelievable feeling."

A little love was probably lost after the Angels rallied to beat the home team, 4-3.