Freddie Freeman returned to Truist Park for the first time as a visiting player with the Los Angeles Dodgers after spending 12 years with the Atlanta Braves, and was met with a pregame celebration prior to the game.
Freeman won the 2021 World Series in his final season as a member of the Braves and expressed his desire to end his career in Atlanta, but the organization ultimately decided to move on from their franchise legend.
That led to the 32-year-old signing with the Dodgers and delaying receiving his World Series ring. But that ceremony finally came on Friday as Braves manager Brian Snitker presented the World Series ring to Freeman and the first baseman gave an emotional speech to the fans.
After the game, Freeman said the night was a special one for him, via SportsNet LA:
“It was amazing. I told you guys I was going to cry again, and I did. That ring is special to me. It’s everything you work for in this game, and to finally win a championship and receive the ring, that was special. To get it from Snit, I’ve been with Snit since I was in the Minor Leagues. When I first came up, he was our third base coach. Now he’s over there winning division titles, Manger of the Year and World Series titles. It was just a special night.”
When he came up for his first at-bat in Atlanta as a visiting player, Freeman had to hold more tears back as he received a standing ovation and cheers from a packed stadium. The emotion from the entire night left him out of energy after the game:
“It’s hard to put into words. I left everything I had on this field every single night, and I think they understood that. I love them very, very much, and they showed me the lot tonight. I’m so glad I got walked because I couldn’t feel my legs. I couldn’t feel my legs for a few innings, to be honest with you. It was emotional and I am worn out.”
The Dodgers went on to win the game, 4-1, over the Braves despite going 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position. Freeman wound up reaching base three times with a single and scoring two runs.
Freeman held press conference prior to the game
Freeman spoke with the media prior to first pitch on Friday, but not first without getting up from the podium to collect himself. Freeman returned a few minutes later and fought through tears as he reflected on his time with the Braves.
Heading into the weekend Freeman had been up front over how emotional he would be throughout the series at Truist Park. He had a similar sentiment when facing the Braves in April, and shared a private moment with president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos.
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