Angels Mike Trout named 2014 American League MVP

Los Angeles Angels star outfielder Mike Trout today was named the 2014 American League Most Valuable Player in an announcement made by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

“Mike has had an incredible start to his career," said Angels Manager Mike Scioscia.  "His play this year totally embodies what an MVP is all about.  His terrific performance, along with his selfless style of play, has made him a tremendous leader on this team.”

Trout finished as the unanimous winner, garnering 420 points in the balloting process (30 1st place votes). He finished 191 points ahead of second place finisher Victor Martinez of the Detroit Tigers (229 points). Trout becomes just the 18th unanimous winner in the MVP voting process (10th in A.L. history) and the youngest ever to accomplish the feat.

After finishing second in the MVP voting in both 2012 and 2013, Trout becomes just the fourth A.L. player to finish in the Top 2 of the MVP ballots in three or more consecutive seasons, joining Mickey Mantle (1960-62), Yogi Berra (1953-56) and Hal Newhouser (1944-46).

At just 23 years and 52 days old at the end of the season, Trout is the third youngest A.L. player ever to win the award behind only Oakland’s Vida Blue (22 years, 64 days) and Baltimore’s Cal Ripken Jr. (23 years, 39 days).  Trout’s resume now includes an A.L. MVP Award (2014), an A.L. Rookie of the Year Award (2012), three All-Star Game nominations (2012-14), an All-Star Game MVP (2014), three Silver Slugger Awards (2012-14), and an A.L. Hank Aaron Award (2014).

He is the third player in Angels’ history to earn the award, joining Vladimir Guerrero in 2004 and Don Baylor in 1979.

“Think about that his first three years he's been one of the top candidates for MVP," said 1979 AL MVP and Angels Hitting Coach Don Baylor.  "He's loaded with talent, loves to play and walks the walk. He's held up under the pressure and done it with great humility. He definitely got my vote. It may be his first MVP, but it won't be his last.”

Trout completed the 2014 campaign batting .287 (173/602) with 115 runs scored, 39 doubles, nine triples, 36 home runs and 111 RBI. The Halo center fielder set career highs in home runs (T4th in A.L.), RBI (1st in A.L.) and extra base hits (84, 1st in A.L.) and matched his career bests in doubles (6th in A.L.) and triples (3rd in A.L.).

“Mike is the most dynamic player I’ve seen in this generation," said Angels Assistant Hitting Coach Dave Hansen.  "He changes games offensively, defensively, and on the basepaths with his electric combination of speed and power. He’s got my vote for MVP.”

Trout was named to his third consecutive All-Star Game in 2014 and received the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award after going 2-for-3 with a double, triple, two RBI and a run scored. With his 2014 A.L. MVP honors, Trout becomes just the sixth player to ever win All-Star and League MVPs in the same season, joining Cal Ripken Jr. in 1991, Rogers Clemens in 1986, Steve Garvey in 1974, Willie McCovey in 1969, and Maury Wills in 1962.

"Mike Trout has been an all around force over the past three seasons," said Angels General Manager Jerry Dipoto.  "This honor is well deserved and further affirms his position as the premier player in the game."

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services