MLB
Freddie Freeman owns Atlanta
In only his second return to Atlanta since his blockbuster trade, Freddie Freeman sets aside his emotion and delivers for the Dodgers.
Freddie Freeman is a southern California boy, but the man was made in Atlanta. He spent his entire professional career with the Braves organization, climbing through the minors, making the Show, and winning the World Series with them. When his contract went to the Dodgers in free agency, few were as shocked as Freeman himself.
Last June, Freeman visited Atlanta for the first time in a Dodger uniform and received a standing ovation that lasted over a minute from the appreciative Atlanta crowd. Visibly moved, it was impossible for the first baseman to hold back the tears.
That was then, this is now.
Speaking to SportsNet LA’s Kirsten Watson prior to Monday’s series opener in Atlanta, Freeman said, “I had so many special times there. Obviously, being a World Series champion with the Atlanta Braves, I have so many special memories. I can’t wait to see some of my old friends again. I am looking forward to it, probably not going to be as many tears this time around, but I am looking forward to it but it’ll be a little bit different this time.”
And Freeman wasted no time in getting to work. Again he received a standing ovation from the Braves fans, and again he showed both them and the Dodgers why he is worth all of the money that they paid for him.
He got going with a double in the third, scoring later to bring the Dodgers to within two before blasting a three-run homer in the fifth to send the Dodgers up 6-4.
Freeman has only faced the Braves six times in his career, but is hitting .348 with two doubles, 3 home runs, 7 runs batted in, and a 1.117 OPS.
The Braves would manage to claw their way back into the game, getting a run in the fifth before the Dodgers tacked on two more to win 8-6.
Freddie Freeman wears his heart on his sleeve, and it is one of the most refreshing things in all of baseball. Lots of young players these days are aggressive, even insulting, in the name of emotion. Freeman shows us that you can give your heart to the game without alienating the opposition.
Whatever way you cut it, and in any uniform he cares to wear, Freddie Freeman owns Atlanta. The fans love him, even as he beats the Braves, but he is such a nice guy, so genuine, that they will still give him an ovation for the privilege of watching him play.