Mike Trout's Frustrating Season Takes a Positive Turn with Card Collecting

Mike Trout's 2023 season has been marred by injury, culminating in his announcement on August 1 that he would not return after tearing the meniscus in his left knee. The star outfielder managed to play only 29 games this year, bringing his total to just 266 games out of a possible 648 since 2021. This ongoing struggle with injuries has left Trout and his fans feeling frustrated, but a recent personal endeavor has brought him some joy. In a bid to spend quality time with his oldest son, Beckham, Trout embarked on a quest to find his own autographed 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft card. His search proved successful, as he shared a video on social media showcasing the experience. Trout purchased multiple boxes of the sought-after cards, which have been selling for around $2,000 on eBay. Notably, one in every 22 boxes contained a Trout card, although the exact number of boxes he opened remains unclear. Trout's passion for card collecting began in early 2022, when he started building a collection for Beckham. His enthusiasm for the hobby has only grown, as evidenced by a special display case created by PSA to showcase his collection, including a variation of his 2009 Bowman Chrome autographed card. Reflecting on his journey, Trout admitted he was surprised by how quickly he became immersed in the world of card collecting, and it seems he remains just as captivated two years later.