The Los Angeles Dodgers started a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves Friday night. For Freddie Freeman, this is his first time to visit the Truist Park as visiting player.
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Freeman helped the Braves to their victory in the 2021 World Series, which was their second win since the team moved its base to Atlanta back in 1966. The athlete and the Braves failed ro reach a new agreement after 12 seasons together. The past offseason incident led the former MVP to leave as a free agent and eventually signed as the first baseman for the Dodgers.
However, as soon as he stepped into the familiar conference room just before the game, Freeman was reportedly overwhelmed by emotion and excused himself out for a brief moment.
“I was doing pretty good about an hour ago,” he said after returning. “I still love the Braves organization with all my heart. That will never change.”
“You can tell how much I truly do love this organization. I don’t even know how I’m gonna get through this weekend, to be honest,” he later added.
Nevertheless, the Dodgers took a 4-1 victory that night. Freeman made a stellar performance with two walks, one hit and two runs scored, adding the fire to Trea Turner’s three hits, Justin Turner’ two runs and Julio Urías’ season-high 94 pitches.
Feels like home
Freeman came back to Atlanta this weekend with his family, occupying the house they still own. When he visited the ballpark, Freeman said he saw at least 14 people wearing his old jersey.
“I couldn’t feel my legs for a few innings, to be honest with you,” Freeman said after the game. “I tried to envision what tonight was going to be like, and this far exceeded my expectations. It was just a special, special evening.”
Freeman was drafted by the Braves when he was only 17. It was 2007 and he had just finished high school. “You’re just happy to get picked, no matter by who,” he said. “You just want the opportunity.”
Freemand debuted for the first time in the big league in 2010 at mere 20 years old. In 2011, he decided to start living in Atlanta.
In 2014, Freeman finally signed an eight-year contract extension, emphasizing his worth as the franchise’s star player. In that same year, Freeman married his wife, Chelsea, and started to build his family in the city.
“I know I got a different uniform on, but I still love each and every one of you guys,” he said after the conference. “This is one of the hardest days of my life but one of the most amazing days of my life.”
No closure
The last time Freeman was in Truist Park, the Braves were having the World Series championship parade. However, soon after, the negotiation for his contract extension hit a wall and the Braves decided to sign Matt Olson. Days after, Freeman signed a six-year contract with LA Dodgers, which was a $162-million deal.
Regardless, Freeman made it clear that the franchise still secures a special spot in him.
“I think that the regret question is a whole different side of the story that I’m not — I’m not here to talk about. If I got into that, we’d be here a long time,” he dismissed when asked about regrets and closure.
“There’s nothing to close for me here. Why would I close such a special time?”