Atlanta — Freddie Freeman expected to be emotional during his expected return to Atlanta.
He wasn't prepared for the flood of emotions and tears that happened before his first match when he returned as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night.
Their rush forced him to leave before the pre-match press conference began. Freeman had to meet several times when discussing his ongoing love for the Braves and Atlanta. Then he wondered how to get it done in the three-game series.
"I don't even know how to survive this weekend," Freeman said.
I was surprised how well he was doing with the series opener. He reached the base three times with two walks and one single, scoring twice with a 4-1 victory for the Dodgers.
"I was fine," he said. "I'll record two runs three times on base .... The best thing that happened was to walk that first at bat."
More emotions from Freeman at the pre-match ceremony to receive the 2021 World Series Championship Rings presented by Braves manager Brian Snitker I created it. Following a homage video to Freeman, he slowly walked into the field and joined Snicker, who stood beside the World Series Trophy in front of the mound.
Braves fans stood up and cheered, "Freddie! Freddie!" Freeman replied by removing the cap and raising his arms towards the fans. Freeman hugged the snicker twice. He grinned and kissed his ring.
A few minutes later, Freeman held his batting helmet over the fan after giving another applause before his first turn at bat. Braves right-handed Ian Anderson walked Freeman, who later took a 2-0 lead with Justin Turner's sacrifice fly. Freeman hit twice.
Freeman beat the Braves 7-4 in Los Angeles on April 18 and hit a home run in his first reunion game.
2020 NLMVP Freeman led the Braves to the first match World Series title since 1995 last season. He was widely expected to re-contract with Atlanta, but after failing to reach an agreement with the Braves, he instead signed a six-year contract with the Dodgers, $ 162 million. ..
After spending 15 years in the Braves organization, including 12 years in Atlanta, the 32-year-old, 32, enjoyed the productive first half at the Dodgers. He was hitting .303 with 8 home runs and 45 RBIs entering Friday, and is the third in the NL All-Star vote among first basemen.
Atlanta's Matt Olson, obtained from Oakland Athletics two days after losing Freeman, is fourth in the vote.
Freeman constantly fought emotions and did not make eye contact with Braves reporters through the minutes at the beginning of the press conference.
"I can't even see you because I don't know how I'm trying to get over it," he said.
It was even difficult to start a press conference. When Freeman first entered the interview room, he said, "Wait a minute," then turned around and left the room for a few minutes.
After his return, Freeman said: It will never change.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he wasn't surprised that Freeman declared his continued love for the Braves.
"I think it's what Freddie has been waiting for," Roberts said. "Everyone here worships him. I still know he's ready to play a baseball game."
I saw a lot of reporters before the game. At that time, Snicker joked, "What's happening?"
Snicker hosted other ring ceremonies for repeaters earlier this week, including Joc Pederson in San Francisco.
"I'm just as happy as we are happy with all the people we have given them," Snicker said of Freeman.
Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson, one of Freeman's friends, said Thursday, "It's always nice to meet an old friend, but I'm still looking forward to defeating him." ..
