Just like his baseball career, Mike Trout is a real MVP when it comes to philanthropic endeavors. He’s an ambassador for MLB Together, is involved with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and is very passionate about visiting kids in local hospitals.

At the hospital visits, Mike’s presence organically creates an atmosphere of support. What is also special about these visits is that he can be present for the patients’ major milestones. As a father of two young boys, Mike not only provides support to the kids, but also empathizes with the parents as they watch their child undergo treatment or face tragedies and setbacks.

A particularly touching memory from a recent hospital visit was when Mike looked on as a young patient stood up for the first time after a long battle with an illness. Mike cheered her on as if she were one of his teammates on the field, encouraging her with words like, “You’ve got this! You can do this!” Mike was very proud of her once she was able to stand on her own and was genuinely excited for her family as she reached this turning point in her rehabilitation.

Over the years, Mike has also made time to grant wishes through the Angels Baseball Foundation, as well as the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Some recent standout interactions include playing catch with Samuel, a 15-year-old patient from South Carolina with a brain tumor, and spending time with 9-year-old Colston from Las Vegas who visited Angel Stadium before starting his cancer treatment. An especially inspiring relationship developed when he met Atticus, a 17-year-old cancer patient, during one of his routine hospital visits. After spending time with Atticus and hearing his story, Mike invited Atticus to the stadium for a special birthday party. Atticus got a firsthand look at batting practice, was able to hit in the indoor cages and received a big birthday celebration with Mike’s fellow Angels teammates Logan O’Hoppe, Zach Neto, Hunter Strickland and Patrick Sandoval, making it a birthday Atticus will never forget.

For patients all across the country who can’t make it to the stadium, Mike has recorded countless video messages to encourage children as they battle illnesses and setbacks. He ensures that his support for these children in their biggest times of need extends beyond the local community.

Philanthropic work is not just an individual effort for Mike, but something he and his family value deeply. For several years, Mike and his wife Jessica have been involved with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) as benefactors for the organization to raise awareness for suicide prevention. These efforts are very personal for the Trouts after losing Jessica’s brother, Aaron Cox, to suicide in 2018. The stigma surrounding mental health makes it hard for people to speak up, and the Trouts, together with AFSP, believe that open conversations can save lives.

The couple has also been working with Tiny Turnip, an apparel company, to lead an initiative called “Your Game Isn’t Over Yet.” The design features a baseball and glove in the shape of the semicolon “;” the symbol for suicide prevention. Just as the semicolon represents when an author could have ended a sentence but decided to continue it instead, Mike’s suicide prevention campaign seeks to empower those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or behaviors to know that “Your Game Isn’t Over Yet.” Stitches on the baseball are words of encouragement. A new design unveiled last year features a “home plate” filled with names of those who are “missing” from our lives due to suicide. This plate stands as a reminder that support is all around and help is available for anyone struggling. All proceeds benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

For his Roberto Clemente Award nomination, Mike has chosen JR98 to be the recipient of MLB Charities’ donation. JR98 was founded by Toni, Anthony and Carlos Ramirez after Tampa Bay Rays bullpen catcher Jean Ramirez died by suicide in 2022. The organization focuses on mental health and suicide prevention through education and community service.