Could Mike Trout be the first ever player owner in major league baseball ?

1970s

Boston offered Bobby Orr part ownership (15%) of the Bruins when his contract was up with the Bruins in 1976. Sad thing was Orr's agent hid this from Bobby when he made a deal with his friend who was
owner of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Not sure of the MLB laws, but I could easily see the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020 offer Trout part ownership
of the Phillies. Trout is a huge Eagles fans (attends every game), grew up 40 minutes from the stadium, and was probably a Phillies fan as a kid.

If it's legal, then I'm sure the Phillies are already thinking about it, as this kid is a perfect fit for the Phillies.

erikthredd

I'm pretty sure that isn't possible. I know its the NBA not MLB but Michael Jordan was part minority owner of the Washington Wizards in 2000 and when he came out of retirement in 2001 to play for the Wizards,he had to sell his shares of the team IIRC.

edit:This link from 2010 came up first in a google search
https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2010/03/22/why-players-cant-own-a-piece-of-the-team/

Coinstartled

Be interesting if they added wagering at the stadium. Trout could be player, team owner and casino magnate at the same time.