Los Angeles Angels: Mike Trout Sinks Hole-in-One
By Joe Favia
Apparently being the best baseball player on the planet isn’t enough for Angels outfielder Mike Trout. Crossing over onto the links, Trout sank a hole-in-one on a course in Phoenix.
The feat was accomplished at Raven Golf Club on a par 3 from 127 yards away. Getting a hole-in-one is not an easy feat for the likes of professionals Jordan Spieth or Dustin Johnson. Golf Digest states that the odds for an amateur to get one is around 12,500 to 1. But for anyone that follows sports, it is clear that Mike Trout is no mere amateur. While there is no video evidence to prove the shot occurred, Trout will have to be believed on his word.
In regard to his MVP outfielder’s gifts in any sport he tries, Angels manager Mike Scioscia stated (per MLB.com):
"“I don’t know, man,” Scioscia said. “He’s dunked a basketball, got a hole-in-one, he can probably run a pretty good stop-and-go as a wideout or a tight end, but we’re happy he’s playing center field for us.”"
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The 25-year-old Trout, who sports a 6 handicap on the course, is hoping to bring his winning ways to the Angels this season after winning 74 games in 2016 and finishing 21 games back of division winner Texas.
While Spring Training standings aren’t often indicative of the regular seasons results, the Angels are doing well at 9-5 in Cactus League play. If they can carry the momentum into April, they could have a shot in what looks like an improved division.
In response to the criticisms surrounding the losing ways of the Angels the last two years, Trout said:
"“Obviously, losing sucks,” Trout said. “It’s frustrating. But it’s not like we’re trying to lose. We want to win. We’ve been banged up the last few years.”"
Fangraphs has the Angels improving by nine games in 2017, finishing second only to the Houston Astros in the AL West and in position to play in the Wild Card Game. Most baseball fans want to see this happen, as seeing the game’s best on a big stage would be extremely exciting.
Trout’s comparisons through the age of 24 are eye-opening, as the group including the likes of Hank Aaron, Ken Griffey Jr., Mickey Mantle and Frank Robinson are all Hall of Famers, and among the best to ever put on a pair of cleats.
Trout has made the All-Star Game in every full season he has been in the game, and is a two-time Most Valuable Player including last season. Despite this, he has only been to the postseason once, in 2014 when the Angels were swept by the Kansas City Royals.
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We’ll find out soon when the season begins if the hole-in-one by Trout was a good omen of success for the Angels, or just another example of the unbelievable athleticism of Mike Trout.