After thousands of online votes, Major League Baseball fans chose who should be on Card No. 1 for 2016 Topps Baseball.
The winner – Angels outfielder Mike Trout.
“It’s awesome. I appreciate the support from fans across MLB,” said Angels’ outfielder Mike Trout. “It’s pretty special to be the No. 1 card for Topps.”
Topps set up the voting process last September and the winner was originally scheduled to be announced October 12 but the checklist wasn’t finalized until this week.
Trout has made his mark on MLB since his 2011 call up. The four-time All-Star won the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2012 and won the American League MVP award in 2014 (finishing second in voting three other times).
Yet, all his home runs and awards aren’t the only things that have drawn fans to the New Jersey native. The 24 year old has an infectious smile and plays the game with passion that is only matched by the joy he brings MLB fans.
“The first card in the Topps baseball set has historically been given to top players or has been meaningful,” said David Leiner, VP & General Manager of North American Sports and Entertainment for Topps. “This time around, we wanted our great collectors to be part of the 65th Topps Baseball set, and they made their mark by picking one of the best players in baseball today.”
The image on Trout’s Topps card depicts a highlight from the 2015 season. On Sept. 26, he scaled the outfield wall, extended his body over it and robbed Seattle’s Jesus Montero of a home run.
Over the long history of Topps, several notable players have been card #1 including Jackie Robinson, Ted Williams, Willie Mays, Roger Maris, Hank Aaron and Derek Jeter.
Topps will celebrate 65 years of making baseball cards when 2016 Topps Baseball Series 1 releases on February 3rd.
2016 Topps Baseball Checklist Series 1
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