ADDENDUM: Due to the number of games and home runs photo-matched the minimum bid has increased from the catalog.

While the hobby has seen its share of Mike Trout gamer jerseys and bats there is a serious dearth of his game-used batting helmets. This lot presents the mother of all Trout helmets. Never before has one been photo-matched but this offered gem is photo-matched to several games stretching the entire 2016 season one in which the Los Angeles Angels’ superstar centerfielder took home his second American League MVP award. Trout led the A.L. in runs (123) walks (116) and OBP (.441) while batting .315 stealing 30 bases clubbing 29 homers and driving in an even 100 runs. He has now finished either first or second in MVP voting in each of his first five MLB seasons — an unprecedented run. And the guy is still just 25 years old!

The experts at Resolution Photomatching have conclusively matched the helmet to five games from April 11 to Sept. 28 in which Trout went 9-for-22 with four home runs 11 RBI and 9 runs scored. The Angels won four of the five games. Here they are in chronological order.

April 11 at OAK:  1-for-3 with HR BB 1 run & 2 RBI;  Angels win 4-1
May 19 vs. LAD:  2-for-3 with HR BB SB 2 Runs & 3 RBI;  Angels win 7-4
June 26 vs. OAK:  3-for-5 with HR 3 runs & 2 RBI;  Angels win 7-6
August 6 at SEA:  2-for-3 with HR 3B BB 2 runs & 4 RBI;  Angels lose 8-6
Sept. 28 at OAK: 1-for-4 with HBP & 1 run;  Angels win 8-6

Resolution Photomatching also matched it to two other games (July 18 vs. TEX and Aug. 29 vs. CIN — both won by the Angels) but neither game is included on their official letter due to the consignor’s budget. Trout homered in both of those games as well going 5-for-7 with 4 runs and 5 RBI combined. In all Trout went 14-for-29 with six home runs 13 runs and 16 RBI wearing this helmet leading his team to victory in six of the seven games. The official LOA reads “Based on the dates photomatched and additional images viewed in our research in the opinion of Resolution Photomatching it is very likely that the helmet was worn throughout the 2016 season and may have been the only helmet of that style worn by Trout.”

The Rawlings “S100 Pro Comp” helmet is pounded with use and reeks of Trout’s sweaty head. The red shell has the Angels’ “A” logo on the forehead with his No. “27” decal on the rear above the MLB logo decal and MLB Authentication hologram. The size (7 5/8) brand and manufacturing codes are all labeled on the interior. The helmet is designed for a right-handed hitter with a left ear flap for protection. There are six air ventilation holes on top of the shell and two more holes on each side over the ears. The helmet is covered with scratches Mota Stick and other markings allowing for easy photo-matches. You won’t find a more compelling game-used batting helmet from Trout or any current MLB player in the market today.

MLB Auth. # JB 822401. LOA from Resolution Photomatching with conclusive side-by-side matches to Getty 547092602.

Special Note: Build theultimate Mike Trout game-worn/used head-to-toe ensemble with this lot. You can own his batting helmet (Lot 324)fielder’s cap (Lot 327) jersey (Lot 323) bat (Lot 322 or 329) battinggloves pants belt socks (all part of Lot 325) and cleats (Lot 326) plus hislocker tag (Lot 328) to create your very own Mike Trout manikin. Perfect foryour trophy room or man cave.