Just when everybody thought Freddie Freeman was going to be an Atlanta Brave for life, the Los Angeles Dodgers swooped in to take him back home.
Even though he'd been a Dodger for some time now, he had yet to experience what it was like to be on the field at Dodger Stadium with the home crowd rooting for him. Needless to say, his first chance didn't disappoint.
Even His Teammates Got Goosebumps
The fans made sure to make Freeman feel right at home all night long. But when he hit a big double in the eighth inning, and the crowd started chanting his name, it felt like they had won the World Series already:
"I got goosebumps in the dugout," Cody Bellinger said. "I really did."It Was An Unforgettable Moment
Freeman took his helmet off and thanked the fans for their unwavering support just a couple of minutes before the Dodgers regained the lead late in the game:
"That's as special as it gets right there," Freeman said after the game. "You have those feelings before, coming out on the line for the intros, but usually once the game starts those feelings go away. For the fans to be able to create a moment for me in the eighth inning is something I'll never forget."His Family Shared A Special Moment
Freeman, a California native who signed a six-year deal worth north of $ 160 million, had all his family in attendance in a luxury suite at Dodger Stadium. That was like finally coming full circle after an incredible career in Major League Baseball:
"This is what it's all about for me — family," Freeman said. "And for them to be able to share that moment with me tonight was a special thing."He's Having A Blast In L.A.
The Dodgers are sitting at a 4-2 record a week into the regular season, with Freeman slashing a solid .308/.379.423, posting three doubles and scoring four runs with two walks:
"It's definitely been nice," Freeman said. "The last month has been pretty special, from the first game at [the team's spring training complex] to tonight, they've been welcoming me with open arms. First game at Dodger Stadium with the Dodgers, I don't think it could've gone much better than that."
The Dodgers sure look like the team to beat in the National League and maybe even in all of baseball. The fun is just getting started.
]]>The Inquisitr
