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“The Relationships… They’ll Always Be There” – Freddie Freeman Reflects on First Home Run for LA Dodgers Against Former Team
The 2022 off-season saw one of the most significant movements from team to team. One of the switches was that of Freddie Freeman, who traded in his Atlanta Braves threads for the LA Dodger blue. And in the first time the two took on each other, it seems as though Freddie Freeman may have had the last laugh. With the first baseman recording a home run in his very first at-bat in Dodger stadium, he has shown where his mind lies this season. But his heart may yet be with the Braves.
Speaking to reporters before the match had begun, Freeman was emotional while talking about his former team. And while the emotion may have been most raw before the game, Freeman was the ultimate professional. Leaving all his personal biases aside, when he stepped onto home plate, he played for the Dodgers.
And an impact player at that. In his very first at-bat, down a 0-1 count, Freeman swung and swung to get the ball past the boundary wall for a home run. Speaking to the media after the game, though, he was sure that his connection with the Braves will always remain strong.
Freeman scores in first at-bat
Freeman walked out at the top of the first to take home plate against his former team, the Atlanta Braves. And in his very first at-bat as a Dodger, he managed to clear the boundary fence as he scored a solo home run. While happy for his team, he was sure that the performance on the diamond had no bearing on the connection off of it.
“The relationships we built are special and they’ll always be there, even though we wear different uniforms.”@FreddieFreeman5 spoke with @jonmorosi about seeing his former teammates again and hitting his first HR of the year. #MLBNShowcase | @Dodgers pic.twitter.com/PE4ibh0HEc
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 19, 2022
Said Freeman, “The relationships we built over the years are special and they’ll always be there even though we wear different uniforms.”
And he admitted that while fans and the media may have several narratives operating, his objectives were clear. Said Freeman, “I just wanted to play well no matter who’s on the other side.
Freddie Freeman – An emotional day out
Speaking before the game, Freddie Freeman choked up while talking about his time with the Atlanta Braves. His exit from his former team was clearly an emotional one, and for him to face his former team at his now new home brought up some emotions for the player.
Freeman described what it was like to post on his Instagram about his farewell as a Brave. “That Instagram post, it took me a long time to write that,” he said, “halfway through that Instagram post I was sitting outside my house and just bawling crying as I was writing it because we’ve been through so much together.”
“I love Braves Country and always will.”
Freddie Freeman tears up when talking to @Kelly_Crull about his memories of playing in Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/VitWFb6f8o
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) April 19, 2022
His experience with the Atlanta Braves truly has been phenomenal. Spanning the course of 12 years, he speaks about his stint with the Atlanta Braves. Said Freeman, “We went from winning to 97 losses to winning 4 division titles in a row to World Championship.”
And Freeman is eagerly looking forward to returning to Truist Park in a few months. Said Freeman, “That’s one of my favorite places on Earth.”
Nov 5, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman waves to the crowd during the World Series championship rally at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Tearing up at its mention, Freeman took a few beats before he punctuated his statement about how he felt regarding the fanbase where he had flourished. “I love Braves Country and always will,” he said.
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But what’s your take on the subject? Do you believe that Freeman still has a place in his heart for the Braves? Or do you think that this was his way of getting back at the Braves for not giving him a new contract?
The post “The Relationships… They’ll Always Be There” – Freddie Freeman Reflects on First Home Run for LA Dodgers Against Former Team appeared first on EssentiallySports.
