Just in: The Atlanta Braves head coach has just received sad, disappointing news while…
When Freddie Freeman finally made his way back to Atlanta, he was going to be emotional.
The wave of emotions, including tears, that awaited his first game back as a Los Angeles Dodger on Friday night caught him off guard.
Before the game even started, he had to leave his pregame news conference due to a crowd of them. Freeman had to gather himself multiple times when talking about his enduring affection for Atlanta and the Braves. Then he wondered how he was going to survive the three-game series.
Freeman said, “I’m not even sure how I’m going to make it through this weekend.”
Freeman’s emotions increased even more when Braves manager Brian Snitker gave him his 2021 World Series championship ring during a pregame ceremony. After watching a video montage honoring Freeman, he strolled leisurely towards the field to join Snitker, who was standing next to the World Series trophy in front of the mound.
Standing and applauding, some Braves supporters chanted, “Freddie! Freddie!” In response, Freeman took off his cap and extended both arms toward the spectators. Twice, Freeman gave Snitker hugs, once after he had put on his ring. He smiled and planted a kiss on the ring.
Shortly after receiving another round of applause prior to his at-bat in the first inning, Freeman raised his batting helmet to the supporters. Freeman scored on a sacrifice fly by Justin Turner after Braves right-hander Ian Anderson walked him, giving the team a 2-0 lead. It was Freeman who struck out in the second.
On April 18, Freeman went yard in his first reunion game, a 7-4 victory over the Braves in Los Angeles.
The 2020 NL MVP, Freeman, guided the Braves to their first series victory since 1995 in the previous campaign. Unable to come to an agreement with the Braves, he signed a $162 million, six-year contract with the Dodgers instead of what was widely expected—a re-signing with Atlanta.
The 32-year-old has played well in his first half of the season with the Dodgers after spending 15 years in the Braves organization, 12 of those years in Atlanta. He was striking.As of Friday, 303 had eight home runs and 45 RBIs, good for third place among first basemen in the NL All-Star voting.
Two days after losing Freeman, Atlanta’s Matt Olson—acquired from the Oakland Athletics—is ranked fourth in the voting.
Freeman spent the first few minutes of his news conference fighting his feelings and avoiding eye contact with Braves reporters.
He said, “I don’t know how I’m going to get through it; I can’t even look at you guys.”
It was hard to even get the press conference underway. Freeman said, “Give me a second,” as he walked into the interview room and then turned to leave for a while.
“Man, I love the Braves organization with all my heart,” Freeman exclaimed upon his return. That won’t ever alter.
Dave Roberts, manager of the Dodgers, stated that Freeman’s declaration of his unwavering love for the Braves didn’t surprise him.
Roberts remarked, “I believe it’s something that Freddie long awaited.” “He is loved by all of us here. I’m still confident that he’ll be prepared to play baseball.
Prior to kickoff, Snitker made a joke about the large number of reporters and asked, “Is something going on?”
Joc Pederson of San Francisco was among the players honored at previous ring ceremonies held by Snitker earlier this week.
Regarding Freeman, Snitker remarked, “I’m happy just like I’m happy for all the guys we’ve given them to.”
Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson, a friend of Freeman’s, stated on Thursday that “I’m still looking forward to beating him, but it’s always good to see old friends.”
