Mike Trout excited to be home as Angels visit Philadelphia Phillies for 1st time since '14

PHILADELPHIA — A lot has changed since Mike Trout last strode through Citizens Bank Park eight years ago.

He’s won three American League Most Valuable Player awards. He got married. He’s battled a multitude of injuries from a torn thumb ligament in 2017 to foot surgery in 2019 to missing almost all last season with right calf strain. There was COVID-19 and the birth of his son Beckham in 2020.

Trout looks older. He feels it too.

“Don’t remind me,” he laughed Friday when told he’s now 30.

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Yet, Trout is still same baseball-hungry, Eagles-loving, family-first, Millville-proud person he’s always been.

“It’s gone by quick,” he said sitting in front of a throng of reporters three hours before his Angels faced the Phillies in Philadelphia for the first time since 2014. “I was 22 (last time)? It feels like yesterday. Obviously, lots of stuff happened, (such as) injuries, COVID, but like I said I’m happy to be here. I’m getting older obviously, remind me I’m 30 now (with) almost a 2-year-old kid. It’s been great through. The journey has been unbelievable. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

There was evident joy in Trout’s voice as he discussed this weekend’s series.

He was plunked in the left arm in a loss to the Yankees on Thursday, but that wasn’t about to stop him playing Friday.

“I’m sore, but I can’t miss this series,” he said.

Trout’s phone blew up as his return neared and he knows friends, family and hundreds, if not thousands, of fans will be in attendance supporting him, even the Phillies faithful.

“I know how they respect players, respond to players," Trout said. "You go out there and play your best, play your hardest, give it everything you got every day, day in and day out and they’ll respect you and I take pride in that and always do that. I go out there and give it my all and never give up a play.”

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He gives his hometown credit for shaping him into the person he is.

“There’s so much that comes along with playing Major League Baseball, to be able to go back and just see where you came from — I think that’s big for me,” said Trout, who stayed at his own house on Thursday night and went fishing with his son Friday morning. “I got a great supporting cast at home. They let me know when I’m going good to settle down, and when I’m not going good, they let me know I suck.”

Trout still prides himself on improving daily, even after his immense success that seemingly has him on a path to Cooperstown.

He’s one of the oldest players on the team, yet he still seeks input from current clubhouse veteran Kurt Suzuki like he did with Torii Hunter and Albert Pujols for several years.

But, now he’s also the one handing out advice, lending an ear to the newcomers.

“I’ve been more vocal this year — I think it’s a little different from what I’ve been doing,” he said. “Obviously, go out there and play and do my thing, but I think when you have young guys that come up and ask questions, I’m going to give answers. I’m trying to help the team as much as I can.”

There are times it sounds like Trout would gladly offer some tips to the Philadelphia Eagles’ brass as he continues to follow his beloved Birds extremely close.

He discusses the 2022 draft like it just happened, his excitement on A.J. Brown’s addition and his hopes for the fall.

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“I mean, every Eagles’ fans expectations is a Super Bowl, for sure,” he said.

As far as what his return home brings, Trout clearly appreciates the opportunity to play in his backyard once again.

“I’m going to enjoy tonight,” he said.

Josh Friedman has produced award-winning South Jersey sports coverage for the Courier Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times for more than a decade. If you have or know of an interesting story to tell, reach out on Twitter at @JFriedman57 or via email at jfriedman2@gannettnj.com. You can also contact him at 856-486-2431. Help support local journalism with a subscription.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Mike Trout overjoyed to be home as Angels square off with Phillies