One of the current stars that is subjected to this comparison between legends of the past and current athletes is Mike Trout. It’s a common compliment that tends to place exceptional abilities in historical context.
Nevertheless, a legendary baseball player believes that the ongoing parallels between Mike Trout and the legendary Mickey Mantle are unhelpful. Hall Baseball Famer Ken Griffey Jr. believes that the LA Angels outfielder is unfairly burdened by the controversy surrounding Trout’s resemblance to Mantle. He stated to USA Today:
“I detest comparisons to the extreme. At twenty-one, I was being compared to Willie Mays. That was something I detested. Mike was being compared to greats like Mantle. Comparison is a weight.”Baseball has evolved significantly since Mantle’s days in the 1950s and 1960s. These days, pitches are coming in faster, more frequently land harder, and are backed by powerful statistics.
It is because of this shift in the game’s essence that comparing batting statistics from different eras becomes difficult. A hitter from the 1960s who might have batted in the modern day.Given how much the pitching has improved overall, 300 might find it difficult.
The major statistics are RBIs, home runs, and batting average, but they don’t tell the complete picture. One of the all-time great base runners, Mickey Mantle would steal bases as if no one else was on the field. He won the World Series seven times and was an All-Star twenty times.
Although he has a distinct skill set, Mike Trout is a force at the plate. He is well-known for his hard hitting and on-base percentage, which enables him to routinely reach base and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Ken Griffey Jr. understands the injuries suffered by Mike Trout.
Ken Griffey Jr. is aware of Mike Trout’s dissatisfaction with his most recent injury. Griffey understands Trout’s dilemma because he has struggled with injuries himself. He stated to USA Today:
Do you believe he desires to attend treatment once more? Playing is easier than rehab. It is a bad dream.”I can attest to how difficult it is. Although I had everything else, I never had Tommy John surgery. I have experience with the rehabilitation of the wrist, arm, shoulder, and legs. You are not missing time from work due to a contusion. You had surgery, which is why you’re sitting out. It is wretched.Prior to the announcement of his injury following Monday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Mike Trout had already blasted ten home runs this season. The Angels need Trout back as soon as possible since they will be heavily dependent on him in 2024.