Mike Trout: Bat flips after home runs disrespect pitcher

Angels slugger Mike Trout disagrees with Bryce Harper’s stance on baseball needing more flair.

Angels slugger Mike Trout disagrees with Bryce Harper’s stance on baseball needing more flair. 

Last week, Harper told ESPN that baseball had become a tired sport because of its lack of opportunity for self expression. He advocated for adding more theatrics to the game, mentioning hitters celebrating when they hit home runs.

On Wednesday, Trout told the Los Angeles Times not to expect such theatrics from him.

“I just keep it the same,” Trout said. “I don’t try to show anybody up. Whatever somebody else does, that’s what they do.”

• Goose Gossage on Bryce Harper: Kid has no respect for baseball

Trout said dramatic bat flips disrespect the pitcher, so the only place he could be caught performing one is in the batting cage.

“We mess around in the cage and stuff,” he said. “During the game, I just hit the ball and go. I go out there and try to respect the game. I go out there and play. My parents always taught me to be humble.”

Harper, 23, and Trout, 24, have both won MVP awards in their respective leagues, but have not played against each other since 2014 when the Angels last visited Washington.

- Erin Flynn