Mariners 2B Robinson Cano is the top-billed MLBer on social media heading into the All-Star Game, while Angels CF Mike Trout is not far behind, according to data from social media measurement firm MVPindex. Cano, who endorses New Balance, posts frequently on his Twitter feed, and even had some recent posts about his visit to the New Balance offices. Cano's top post over the last 30 days shows himself and LeBron James celebrating the Cavaliers' recent NBA championship. He also posted some special New Balance-branded baseball shoes for July 4 on his Facebook feed. Meanwhile, Trout, a Nike rep, has long been a top social media athlete, and recently got some pop on Instagram. Trout was engaged to be married over July 4 weekend, and posted a picture on Instagram of the skywritten proposal (via an airplane). The post received over 3,100 comments and almost 58,000 likes as of this morning.
ROUNDING THE BASES: Red Sox DH David Ortiz, who ranks third among MLBers on social media, has been chronicling his retirement tour on social media, posting pictures of him with other teams who are honoring his career. One of Ortiz’ top Instagram posts recently was of a tattoo he got commemorating his 10th and final All-Star Game appearance. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo, who ranks fourth, also has gained a lot national exposure this year through various marketing campaigns with BodyArmor, Jewel-Osco and MLB. His top Twitter post this season has been about being an All-Star at age 23 after overcoming cancer five years earlier. Dodgers P Clayton Kershaw ranks fifth among players, and frequently posts about his family. Within the last three months, six of Kershaw’s top 10 posts have featured his daughter and/or his wife.
Below is a graphic showing how the All-Star Game lineup would appear if MLBers were selected based on their social media rankings.
