ATLANTA Freddie Freeman On Friday afternoon, he couldn’t contain his emotions as he walked into Truist Park’s interview room. He took deep inhalations, turned away to the cameras, and then he crossed his arms over his head as he walked out. He said, “Gimme another second.” “Hold on.”
Freeman returned a few minutes later and tried his best to manage an emotionally charged interview. This marked his return to the city he still loves. Freeman is a lifelong member the Atlanta Braves Up to the signing of a six-year, $162 Million free-agent contract with The Los Angeles Dodgers March 17, 2009 — tried his best to convey what this city, those fans, and that team mean to him.
Freeman stated, “I have always told you guys how much my Braves and this city are to me.” “I thought I loved this place and this organization a lot. But, I think you can see just how much I really love this city. Guys, I don’t know how I’m going to make it through this weekend.
Freeman signed for Braves young fans in Truist Park, spending about 20 minutes with them just an hour before the first pitch. After a short video tribute was played on the Braves’ giant center-field screen, Freeman walked to the pitcher’s mound and received his World Series ring from Brian Snitker. Freeman addressed the crowd in a lengthy, tearful hug.
He stated, “I’m aware I have a new uniform on,” but said that he loved every single one of them.
Freeman had already seen his old teammates in L.A. two month ago, but he anticipated that this weekend would bring more emotion. Freeman’s highly anticipated return was getting closer. Some people close to him suggested that this series would provide some much-needed closure to a man still struggling to accept the fact that he no longer plays for the Braves.
Freeman denied that.
He cried, still trying to hold back his tears. “There’s nothing to end for me here.” “Why would I want to close so special a time in my 15 years here?” For me, there’s nothing to close. The regret question is an entirely different story. I don’t want to discuss it because all the people I have spoken to understand that there’s another side to the story. “Cause if that were me, oh! we’d be here for a long time.” This emotion might change, and it could be very significant.
Freeman, 32, was a second-rounder in high school and joined the Braves as a player in 2007. Freeman was a star at the end of the team’s long run of success. He established himself as the face and voice of the franchise during a rebuild. The franchise then rose back into contention with four consecutive division titles, culminating in the 2021 World Series title.
Freeman was expected to return as a free agent. However, no agreement had been made by the owners when they imposed a lockout Dec. 1. According to sources, Freeman’s agent Casey Close made two offers to Alex Anthopoulos as part of a take-it or-leave-it scenario. This occurred shortly after baseball resumed in March.
Anthopoulos traded a number of prospects to the next step. Oakland Athletics Acquired Matt OlsonFreeman was replaced by, on March 14. Three days later, Freeman signed for the Dodgers. The Dodgers are close to Orange County. Freeman was stunned by how everything turned out.
Freeman, however shifted his focus to Friday and what was done before.
Freeman stated that “we went through a lot in my 12 years” and that the pinnacle of winning it all last year was just not enough. It’s all about the sacrifices. All the family time lost. All the hours. Broken wrist [in 2017]. Bus rides for 14 hours in the minor leagues. It was 4 AM when we got to the hotel. Each year it is a grind. To finally win it — man. There is no greater feeling in the world.
Freeman’s 11 seasons with Braves saw him hit.296/.385/.510, with 270 runs and 940 RBIs. After the COVID-19-shortened 2020 campaign, Freeman won the National League’s Most Valuable Player Award. Freeman was at his peak during the Braves’ World Series run, hitting.304/.420/.625 and scoring five home runs, as well as 11 RBIs, in 16 games.
The Braves organist played the song “We Are The Champions” when Freeman was about to start. The Braves fans cheered and stood once more. Freeman took his own time to get into the batter’s box. He then doffified his helmet to recognize the crowd and his former teammates. Finally, Freeman was able to draw a walk against. Ian Anderson.
Freeman had earlier acknowledged that it would be difficult for him to keep his emotions in check over the weekend.
“Gosh,” he stated at one point that it was a lot more difficult than he thought.