MIKE TROUT

I always dreamed of making it in baseball, but life has moved pretty quickly for me.

I think people keep baseballs in their cars, just to be prepared in case they see me. It's cool to get recognized in public; it's an incredible feeling.

As a kid, I had this ultimate goal to be a teacher. I wanted to be a history teacher like my dad.

Keep your head on the ball. You've got to hit it first, then look where it goes. People get in trouble when they look for where the ball's going, and they haven't even hit it yet.

I grew up a Phillies fan. Me and my buddies tailgated a couple of times when they won the World Series. I like just being in that atmosphere.

I didn't know anything about the Angels when I first got there. But they really are a good organization.

Growing up, I was such a picky eater. I'm finally starting to expand.

I just keep thinking about putting up good numbers, playing hard and winning games.

I used to get made fun of in the minor leagues. I'd be 0 for 2, and then in my last at-bat I'd hit a chopper that wouldn't even reach the shortstop, and I'd get a hit out of it. The guys would be all over me, but a hit's a hit. I'll take 3,000 of 'em.

You surprise yourself on some balls off the bat. You don't think you have a chance to catch it. And then your natural ability just takes over.

I always dreamed of making it in baseball, but life has moved pretty quickly for me.

As a kid, I had this ultimate goal to be a teacher. I wanted to be a history teacher like my dad.

You surprise yourself on some balls off the bat. You don't think you have a chance to catch it. And then your natural ability just takes over.

Keep your head on the ball. You've got to hit it first, then look where it goes. People get in trouble when they look for where the ball's going, and they haven't even hit it yet.

As I get older every year, I'm eating better. As a kid, who can turn down chips and candy? But I'm getting better.

I used to get made fun of in the minor leagues. I'd be 0 for 2, and then in my last at-bat I'd hit a chopper that wouldn't even reach the shortstop, and I'd get a hit out of it. The guys would be all over me, but a hit's a hit. I'll take 3,000 of 'em.

I grew up a Phillies fan. Me and my buddies tailgated a couple of times when they won the World Series. I like just being in that atmosphere.

When we get in late and the only thing open is fast food, it can be tough to maintain a healthy diet.

I think people keep baseballs in their cars, just to be prepared in case they see me. It's cool to get recognized in public; it's an incredible feeling.

I didn't know anything about the Angels when I first got there. But they really are a good organization.

Growing up, I was such a picky eater. I'm finally starting to expand.

I'm not really a big Springsteen guy. I'll listen to the music, but ... I didn't really get attached to it as much as, like, country artists. That's really who I listen to.

The first professional game of your career is obviously the biggest, but you still get the jitters, you still get the adrenaline rush before every game. A lot of people don't realize that, but it's true. I have always told myself that if you don't feel those nerves and you're not having fun, you shouldn't be playing. And I always enjoy the competition, the adrenaline rush before a game. And just competing with your buddies at the highest level, every day.

The adrenaline is pumping before or during a game - you're excited, you're anxious. But the biggest things are just having fun and being confident. There really is no alternative because you just can't be negative. And a huge part of developing that confidence is by working hard every day, and I don't think that is limited to the baseball field. I think that bleeds over to all aspects of anything that you're doing or working on in life.

I was always told that if people don't want a picture with you, or they don't want an autograph from you, that doesn't mean you're not doing anything good.

No curfew. I live in the basement. I got everything I need. Home cooking ... it's awesome.

I just keep thinking about putting up good numbers, playing hard and winning games.

The first couple of years in the minors were tough for me. My numbers were there, but being away from home so young was tough.