Emotions were raw for Freddie Freeman during an introductory press conference after signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers during Spring Training, and those rose to the forefront again this past weekend when facing the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park.
The Braves visiting Dodger Stadium in April provided Freeman with a desired opportunity to reunite with his former teammates, and have an in-person conversation with president of baseball operations and general manager Alex Anthopoulos.
While Freeman welcomed that, returning to Atlanta meant receiving his 2021 World Series ring during a pregame ceremony. He teared up during a press conference before the series opener and again on the field when Braves manager Brian Snitker presented Freeman with his ring.
Freeman started in all three games against the Braves and drew praise from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts for his handling of the situation, via Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“This is probably as much as he’s ever been tested, I think, emotionally,” Roberts said. “And he passed with flying colors.”
Freeman hit safely in every game of the series and went 4-for-12 with one double, one RBI, three walks and six strikeouts as the Dodgers won two of three games. His extra-base hit and RBI came in the 10th inning on Sunday night.
Braves fans generally welcomed their former franchise pillar with open arms, giving Freeman a standing ovation before his first at-bat that lasted more than one minute. He was applauded at various points throughout the ensuing two games as well, but also booed at times.
Freeman looking to move on after playing Braves
The Dodgers and Braves won’t play again this year unless meeting in the postseason, and now that both regular season series are behind him, Freeman admitted to having a sense of relief with moving past them.
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