"You don't know what people are going through" - Mike Trout opens up about leveraging stardom to make a difference & 'give back' to society

LA Angels star Mike Trout spoke about leveraging his stardom to make a difference in society and how giving back to the community is of great importance to him.

Trout visited a few of his specially-abled fans at the Memorial Care Miller's Children and Women's Hospital in Long Beach. The patients were very happy to have their favorite star among them.

In a video shared by the Angels on Saturday, Trout explained he believes that even the smallest interactions impact peoples' lives and said he felt great putting smiles on their faces:

"To see their smile, their reaction, they are obviously going through tough times right now, to help them get a smile on their face, it means everything to me. Just to see their reaction, to have a conversation with them, brighten their day as much as I can, it was unbelievable.

"Giving back is everything to me. Growing up as a kid, seeing the ballpark or going to other places and seeing other athletes and other big time people, give back to their community. Me seeing that now I am in a position where I can give back means a lot to me, and every chance that I get to meet new people or make anyone smile, I take advantage of that."

Trout continued:

"I know how I felt when I was a kid going to baseball games, seeing my favorite player, being able to go up to him and ask for autograph or even a wave. It can go a long way, you don't know what people are going through and it could put a simle on their face, make their day or even change their life."

Ron Washington urges Mike Trout to make a strong return following season-ending surgery

Angels manager Ron Washington urged star slugger Mike Trout to make a strong and impactful return next season after his 2024 season ended abruptly due to a season-ending surgery. This is the fifth consecutive year since 2019 that Trout failed to be available for the whole season due to injuries. Washington said:

"I told him that he could be a poster child for meniscus tears. Show them how you recover from it and how you come back strong in the next year. The negativity that people might be thinking behind you getting hurt will go away. The best way for you to deal with it is to get yourself in the best shape you possibly can and put another MVP year together."

Before being sidelined, Trout played 29 games for the Angels, hitting .220, along with an OPS of .867, 10 HRs and 14 RBIs.