The last time Angels star centerfielder Mike Trout appeared in the postseason was in 2014. At that time, President Barack Obama was midway through his second term, Disney's Frozen was a cultural phenomenon, and the mobile game Flappy Bird was wildly popular among teenagers nationwide.
Trout and the Angels failed to secure a single victory against the Kansas City Royals that postseason. Their most recent playoff win dates back to Trout's rookie season in 2009.
Despite Mike Trout being one of the greatest hitters of his generation, the Angels have struggled to achieve postseason success. Trout's impressive career credentials include three MVP awards, nine Silver Slugger honors, and 11 All-Star selections. Yet, he has not experienced meaningful playoff baseball in over a decade.
This prolonged absence from October baseball has caused a generational talent like Trout to fade from the spotlight among the league's elite players.
“He was the best player out there, and he was so young and he had all the tools, the passion for the game. He was Mike Trout and it kind of disappeared, which is sad,” said former Angels third-base coach Dino Ebel to The Athletic.
Summary: Despite Mike Trout’s extraordinary career and talent, the Angels’ postseason drought has overshadowed his legacy, as former coach Dino Ebel reflects on the lost potential of a generational star.
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