“Just Lob It”: Mike Trout Shares Hilarious Torii Hunter Encounter Where He Accused MLB Legend of Crow Hopping

The Los Angeles Angels witnessed the high-performing Mike Trout in a different position recently. The 3x MVP played the role of a catcher for the legend Torii Hunter during the latter’s first pitch. Though Hunter ended up bouncing the ball, it was an interesting moment for the two. Now the Angels star has revealed the hilarious interaction that took place between the two backstage. 

Mike Trout’s relationship with Hunter has always been an entertaining one. With the legend terming Trout a “Digger” for his abilities. However, the story shared by Trout gave another glimpse of the dynamic that the duo enjoys. From having fun together to bantering with each other, Trout remains one of the favorites of Hunter. 

“I knew I was catching the first pitch. I’m in the cage warming up and he (Hunter) comes in,” Trout said during the Angels Recap Podcast. “…I’m sitting there in the chair, just got a nice seat and I look up and I see Torii walk in the cage and there’s a bunch of balls on the ground. (He) just walks in the cage and picks up a couple balls and he’s like crow hopping into the net.” 

After looking at Hunter throwing hard balls, Trout commented “I said ‘bro all you go to do is just lob it in there.’” But then Hunter had other plans. The legend said, “No I’m letting it eat.” That gave Trout the idea of what was to arrive. The superstar revealed that he was ready for the ball to bounce. However, the fact that King Fish caught the ball gave him a chance to taunt other infielders. 

This is yet another evidence of the great relationship between Trout and Hunter. The legend has continuously praised the 3x MVP for being one of the greatest players of all time.

Why Torii Hunter calls Mike Trout a “digger” 

Torii Hunter has always been a fan of Trout. According to ESPN, he once called Trout a “digger” due to his running skills. Unlike most players when the Los Angeles Angels star runs the base, he leaves multiple craters in the first-base line. To Hunter, this showcases the sheer commitment that Trout gives towards everything. There are no half-measures when it comes to Mike Trout – he gives it all every time.

“When he runs, he digs earth out of the ground and he pounds in there, and just to run down, him running down the line is very impressive,” said Hunter. Later the 48-year-old said that he wishes this quality and fight of Trout was present in every player. So it’s quite obvious that while the two are always ready to banter with each other, there is a deep mutual respect that connects Trout and Hunter.