When most people think of Mike Trout, they envision his incredible feats on the baseball diamond, his MVP trophies, and his highlight-reel catches. But what isn’t as widely recognized is that, at his core, the Los Angeles Angels star is also a fervent Philadelphia Eagles fan. This passion for his hometown football team has just taken an impressive new form, bridging his two sporting worlds.
Trout is no stranger to expressing his green-bleeding allegiance to the Eagles. He’s often spotted in the stands at Lincoln Financial Field, cheering on his favorite football team with the same zeal he brings to the outfield. Known for wearing his Eagles loyalty on his sleeve—often quite literally in the form of jerseys and other fan gear—Trout recently took his team spirit to another level.
Following the Eagles’ triumphant Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, Trout decided to immortalize the occasion, not through the usual memorabilia routes like hats or t-shirts, but in a way that only a baseball icon could. He inscribed the game’s final score, “40-22,” and the rallying cry “Fly Eagles Fly” onto the knob of one of his baseball bats. This personal homage was both a declaration of fandom and a nod to his uniqueness as a player—and a sports fan.
Topps, a mainstay in the world of sports cards, took note of Trout’s creative homage. Recognizing a golden opportunity to merge the collectible world with sports lore, they crafted a one-of-a-kind card featuring the bat knob with Trout’s hand-marked tribute. Complete with his autograph, this card stands out as a testament to not just Trout’s baseball prowess, but his special connection to Philly sports culture.
Hailing from Millville, New Jersey, a town steeped in its own athletic traditions, Trout grew up nurturing his passion for the Eagles alongside his development as a baseball phenom. It’s no wonder his fandom persists so robustly despite his superstar status in Major League Baseball. Over the years, Trout has made his love for the Eagles public, with memorable displays including wearing the “underdog” dog mask during the Eagles’ impressive postseason run in 2018.
The Angels, taking note of their star player’s football frenzy, even facilitated a media call for Trout ahead of Super Bowl LII, allowing ample room for his enthusiasm to resonate when he confidently declared his support for the Eagles over the New England Patriots. Indeed, his prognostication was right on the money, as the Eagles secured a historic win.
While baseball remains Trout’s professional focus, his career has seen some challenges in the past few seasons. On the field, injuries have sidelined him more frequently than fans—and Trout himself—would like. The Angels, despite Trout’s efforts, have found postseason success elusive, which means Trout has had ample autumn days to devote his attention to his beloved Eagles.
The sizeable contract Trout has with the Angels ensures that his closet can be perpetually stocked with Eagles garb for any conceivable occasion. A staggering $37 million per year through 2030 probably buys more Eagles merchandise than most fans could agree is sensible, though it’s certainly fitting for someone as dedicated as Trout.
As his loyalty shows no signs of waning, Trout, who is now a seasoned veteran at 33, continues to balance his career with his hobby. His unyielding support for his football team is a constant. Regardless of what the future holds, whether it’s rejuvenating his Angels career or dreaming of some wild crossover as the oldest running NFL fullback (if such a reality-defying scenario were to somehow materialize), his devotion to the Eagles is assured.
The intersection of his baseball talents and football fandom has now perfectly crystallized into a collectible that will likely be the pride of any Eagles or Trout fan lucky enough to own it. As it stands, Mike Trout continues to show that while he may be a legend on the diamond, at heart, he’s just like any other fan—albeit one with a colorful way of showing it. With a special Topps card forever binding his passions, Trout’s legend grows richer and more layered, with baseball and football gloriously fused into one unforgettable artifact.
