Freddie Freeman is going home once again. The Dodgers visit Atlanta to play the Braves for the next three days and that means Freeman will be in front of his home crowd for only the second time since signing with the Dodgers two offseasons ago.
The last time he was in Atlanta, it was a source of much cyber ink. He spent the first 12 years of his career and 15 years as a professional in the Braves organization. They had just climbed to the highest mountain top and won their first World Series since 1995. He never even pictured himself in a different uniform… but the door to his return was abruptly closed as the two sides were apart on total years in a potential reunion.
When the Dodgers visited Atlanta last June, Freeman couldn’t hold back his tears. The emotional visit was something he apologized to his Dodgers teammates about. It also was something he needed to get over the unexpected breakup. In a recent chat with Kirsten Watson on SportsNet LA, he said this year feels different.
“A little bit different. I am looking forward to it, 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.”
Via SNLA
Freddie says all that but as sure as the sun will come up tomorrow, he’s going to have a hard time during his first standing ovation on Monday night. His first ovation last year lasted just over a minute…
Let’s just hope he doesn’t dinged for a pitch clock violation.
Freddie Owns Atlanta
In 6 meetings last year — the first 6 games of his career against the Braves, Freeman hit .348 with a double, 2 home runs, 4 runs batted in, and a 1.117 OPS. He’s also a career .302 hitter at SunTrust/Truist/Whatever Park they’re calling it this year in his career.