ANAHEIM – Only the chain-linked cage behind the plate separated him from Angels All-Star Mike Trout, his favorite player who was taking batting practice and belting line drives into the outfield.
Having just watched him on television or distantly from the Angel Stadium stands, Trout was so much bigger than 15-year-old Angels fan Mike Kincade ever imagined.
Standing within a few feet of him, Mike could hear the 6-foot-2, 230-pound tank whip that Old Hickory bat through the air and strike the baseballs hard enough to feel sorry for them.
“This is incredible!” said Mike, who seemed as overjoyed and overwhelmed as a rock concertgoer who had to stand with his ear pressed against the stage speaker.