Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Appeal To Angels Of Mankind’s Better Nature
FARMINGTON — Ten-yearold Tristan Hall wore a Los Angeles Dodgers baseball cap while earnestly conducting business that includes marketing the buzz surrounding Los Angeles Angels’ outfielder Mike Trout.
There is a simple explanation.
On Sunday Tristan sported a cap from his travel ball team, the 11 & under Lindsey Dodgers, coached by his dad, Josh Hall, but the L.A. Angels are his favorite pro team and Trout is his favorite player.
“The Angels, yes, because of Mike Trout. He’s had the perfect year in baseball right now. They’re a pretty good team,” Tristan said. “He’s a good fielder, he’s pretty good at the game.”
The enterprising Major League Baseball fan, who will enter fifth grade next month, wasn’t alone in his endeavor. His friend, Ethan Mallard, 15, supported his efforts. Ethan is a rising sophomore at Farmington High School. Ethan is a St. Louis Cardinals fan. His favorite player is Yadi Molina.
Tristan and Ethan are actively soliciting the aid of the angels of mankind’s better nature.
The boys operate a lemonade stand located at 51 Northaven Street in Farmington selling a series of paintings recently done by Tristan as a fundraiser for Tristan’s “Meme,” his grandmother Deb Majors, who is battling stage four lung cancer.
Tristan sold one painting to a family member and another piece of artwork Tristan produced, a handpainted replica of the Los Angeles Angels’ team logo featuring a halo wrapped around the upper portion of a red “A” accompanied by the inscription “Mike Trout #27” in Tristan’s handwriting stood out.
Mike Trout
According to a press release from the Angels, Trout came into the All-Star break batting .312 (97-for311) with 18 doubles, three triples, 25 home runs, 50 RBIs, 68 runs scored and 13 stolen bases in 90 games. The Angels noted Trout joins Jeff Bagwell (1999) as the only players with 25 home runs, 10 stolen bases and 75 walks prior to the All-Star break; and is just the sixth player all time to collect 15 home runs before the Midsummer Classic six times before his age-27 campaign. The others are: Miguel Cabrera (2004-09), Albert Pujols (2001-06), Alex Rodriguez (1996 & 98-02), Orlando Cepeda (1958-63) and Jimmie Foxx (1929-34).
Bizarre Statement
In a bizarre statement sounding more like a professional wrestling promoter than Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said of Trout prior to the July 17 All-Star game: “Player marketing requires one thing for sure — the player. You cannot market a player passively. You can’t market anything passively. You need people to engage with those to whom you are trying to market in order to have effective marketing. We are very interested in having our players more engaged and having higher-profile players and helping our players develop their individual brand. But that involves the player being actively engaged.”
Trout (1-for-2 with a walk) answered with a home run in the American League’s 8-6, 10-inning victory, giving him a hit in all six of his All-Star game appearances.
Angels’ Press Release
The Angels weighed in with a press release of their own on behalf of the Angels organization and baseball fans everywhere, congratulating Trout on another outstanding All-Star Game performance.
The Angels’ press release states: “Mike Trout is an exceptional ambassador for the game. Combined with his talent, his solid character creates a perfect role model for young people everywhere. Each year, Mike devotes a tremendous amount of his time and effort contributing to our Organization, and marketing Major League Baseball. He continually chooses to participate in the community, visiting hospitals, schools, and countless other charities.
One of Mike’s traits that people admire most is his humility. His brand is built upon generously spending his time engaging with fans, both at home and on the road, while remaining a remarkable baseball player and teammate.
In addition, Mike spends quality time as a husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. We applaud him for prioritizing his personal values over commercial self-promotion. That is rare in today’s society and stands out as much as his extraordinary talent.”
Appeal To Divine Grace
Tristan thinks Mike Trout is doing what he needs to do. Tristan says, “It’s awesome” the way Trout interacts with fans. Angels represent messengers of divine grace. Tristan and Ethan are looking for help. For those, who can’t stop by the boys’ lemonade stand located at 51 Northaven in Farmington, can get in touch with Tristan’s mother, Amanda Hall, at 479-5959096 or email her at razor backs78@yahoo.com.