Now It’s Official – South Jersey’s Trout is an All-Star!

Yesterday's news on South Jersey's high rising baseball star Mike Trout was front page news today for The Press of Atlantic City, and The Daily Journal out of Vineland - he is now an American League All-Star!

Three years ago Trout was just getting out of Millville High School, and now he is recognized as one of the best outfielders in baseball this year, yet he's sill not of legal drinking age!  "It's awesome getting picked," Mike said on his team's website - the Los Angels Angels.  "I'm getting chills just thinking about it right now."

Based on him minor league career leading to him call up to Anaheim, the South Jersey stud seemed like a "Can't Miss Prospect".  Trout had an impressive .342 batting average in 286 minor league games between the summer of 2009 and April of 2012.  His start to his 2012 season in Salt Lake City (the AAA level team for the Angels) saw Mike a ridiculous .403 - 31 hits in 77 at bats over 20 games, with 5 Triples, 16 Runs Batted In and 6 Stolen Bases.

The Angels were not trying to rush Trout up, but the team was 7-15 when the call came for him to play.  L.A. at that point looked totally lost, their star slugger was without a home run (Albert Pujols), and their season was on the brink of disaster after lass than one month.

Since Mike Trout's arrival, the Angels have gone 37-20 (an unthinkable .649 winning percentage) and have positioned themselves for a playoff shot as they approach the season's half way point (if the season were to end right now, the Angels would be in the playoffs as a Wild Card team with their 44-35 record).

ESPN says  the selection of Mike Trout to the American League All-Star roster was "The Best Reserve Selection Made", and reporter for the network David Schoenfield expands this thought by saying "There might have been a fan mutiny if Trout (who wasn't on the All-Star ballot) hadn't made the team. "

Schoenfield's fact needs to be repeated - Mike Trout was not on the All-Star ballot where the fans could have voted for him.  Trout was not expected to be in the majors this quickly, and once the ballots were out there was no way to get him added - making his accomplishment even more impressive!

The numbers do not lie for Trout - he is leading the American League with his .339 batting average, and is leading the AL with 22 Stolen Bases.  Trout's .395 On-Base Percentage ranks him 4th in the AL, and the most dangerous lead-off hitter in baseball right now.  Mike has added some power to his game with 9 Home Runs, and has been clutch with his 33 Runs Batted In.

Mike Trout should play a few innings for the AL come the All-Star Game.  Catch all the action next Tuesday night (July 10th in Kansas City) on FOX starting at 8pm.