Mike Trout pens down heartfelt note while donning No.42 jersey on Jackie Robinson Day

Mike Trout shared a strong message on social media in tribute to Jackie Robinson on the anniversary of him breaking the color barrier in MLB.

Mike Trout pens down heartfelt note while donning No.42 jersey on Jackie Robinson Day

Jackie Robinson and Mike Trout (Image via MLB/Imago)

On Tuesday, April 15, the MLB celebrated Jackie Robinson Day. This day is celebrated in honor of MLB Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson, who is known for breaking the color barrier in the major leagues. 11-time All-Star Mike Trout penned down a heartfelt note in tribute to him on his social media account.

On April 15, 1947, Robinson made his debut in the MLB. He was the first African-American player to play in the league. During his debut, he played as the first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers. This ended the racial segregation in the league. Prior to his debut, black skinned players were relegated to the Negro Leagues.

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Each year on April 15, the MLB celebrates the life of Jackie Robinson. On this day, every player, coach, manager and umpire wears the No.42, the number Robinson donned during his debut, at their back.

On Tuesday, Mike Trout was among the several players who paid homage to the late Robinson. Taking to his social media account, the Los Angeles Angels superstar made his feelings known regarding wearing No.42 on his back through a strong heartfelt message.

To the strongest man to ever step on a diamond — thank you. It’s always an honor to wear 42. #JackieRobinsonDay

Mike Trout on X

Robinson’s name recently came up in the headlines after his military page was removed. Amid the Donald Trump-led administration’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) purge, Robinson’s page from the Department of Defense (DoD) was removed.

This action caused a massive uproar among the sporting community. Following intense backlash from top names like Jeff Passan, Stephen A. Smith, and Mina Kimes, the page was restored.

Mike Trout replaced as Team USA Captain for WBC 2026

The preparations for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) 2026 have already started. The international baseball tournament which returned in 2023, will once again take place the following year. In regards to this, Team USA made a major move this week and replaced Mike Trout as the captain of the team.

Mike Trout
Mike Trout (Image via Imago)

Trout was named as the captain in the 2023 edition and led his nation on the playing field. Under his captaincy, they would reach the final, where he went up against his then-teammate Shohei Ohtani. In a dramatic conclusion, Ohtani would strike out Trout for the final out to end the game and win the tournament for Japan.

A few days ago, team USA announced the return of Mark DeRosa as the manager of the team. While he retained his place, Trout did not.

The 3-time American League MVP has been replaced by reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge as the captain. The New York Yankees star will be the captain of Team USA next year.

Trout has backed his move. Speaking at the press conference besides Judge, DeRosa claimed that he spoke with Trout about making Judge the new captain. The Angels star was happy to give that role to him and said, “He’s the one.”

Judge did not participate in the 2023 edition as he had just signed a 9-year $360 million deal with the Yankees. He was later named the 16th captain of the Yankees. A few weeks back, he had expressed his desire to play in the 2026 edition.

Mike Trout wants to finish ‘unfinished business’ at WBC 2026

The 2023 WBC final saw Team USA lock horns with Team Japan. Despite having the home field advantage, USA ended up losing the game. Mike Trout has expressed his desire to play in the next event and finish off the ‘unfinished business.’

Mike Trout
Mike Trout (Image via Imago)

At the moment, Trout is officially not a part of the team. Given his past injury records, he would have to stay healthy first to get a call-up for the roster. Before the Angels’ 4-0 loss against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday, the 33-year-old expressed his strong desire to help the team win the title in 2026.

I want to and I expect to, for sure. There’s a lot of unfinished business, no doubt.

Mike Trout told the reporters as per MLB.com

There is still a long time for that event, though. For now, Trout will turn his focus to the 2025 MLB season and hope to stay healthy and help his team end its postseason drought.