The Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays are facing off in the 2025 World Series, with Game 1 set for Friday at Rogers Centre.
For the Dodgers, it represents a rare trip to Canada. They last traveled north of the border for a three-game series against the Blue Jays on April 26-28, 2024.
Freddie Freeman is an American citizen but has ties to Canada by way of his parents as they were both born in the country. The nine-time All-Star has honored them by playing for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic.
Freeman particularly feels a close connection to Canada through his late mother, Rosemary Joy Freeman, and is excited to play there in the World Series.
“My dad is obviously going to head out there, so it’s going to be pretty special,” Freeman said. “I’m not so sure the Canadians, Blue Jays fans, will be cheering for me this time around like it was in the WBC the last couple times. But it is special.
“Both of my parents were born and raised in Canada, especially in the province of Ontario. My mom from the Toronto area, dad from Windsor. It is special. Every time I go there, you have this feeling inside that you feel just a little bit closer to my mom. So I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited.
“Every time I go there I always get this little envelope in my locker and it’s always pictures a third cousin has found photos in their garage and they bring them to me. I love going back to Toronto. It’s obviously a special place for my family and I.
“Every time I go back there I feel a little bit closer to my mom, so I’m looking forward to getting there.”
The Blue Jays are playing in the World Series for the first time since 1993, and emotions were high when they eliminated the Seattle Mariners in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who earned ALCS MVP honors, teared up as the team celebrated their historic win.
“That’s special,” Freeman said of Canada’s support for the Blue Jays. “Canada When you have a whole country that’s behind one team, that’s pretty amazing.
“And then obviously what they’ve done, they’ve invested into their team, that stadium, the visiting clubhouse has been redone. They’ve put a lot into the Toronto Blue Jays, and to see the city come together and get to experience so much jubilation they had with going to the World Series for the first time in 30-plus years, it’s an exciting time obviously.
“My family, being from Canada, it’s pretty cool. Vladdy has had an amazing postseason so far, and Springer’s home run, it’s stuff they won’t forget. I think it’s going to be a really good World Series. I’m looking forward to it.”
Will Blue Jays fans boo Freddie Freeman?
Although Freeman has represented Canada in the past, there is the possibility that he will be booed by Blue Jays fans during the World Series. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts doesn’t believe that will be an issue for Freeman.
“He doesn’t get bothered by boos,” Roberts said.” I’m just a little confused why, where he praises his country of birth and has played for Team Canada.
“He’s a baseball player and loves the U.S., loves Canada, he’s a heck of a player, even better person. I don’t know what Blue Jays fans have in store for him, but I don’t think he’ll be fazed by it.”
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