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ATLANTA — Freddie Freeman expected to be emotional during his anticipated return to Atlanta.
He wasn’t prepared for the flood of emotions — and tears — that swept through Friday night before his first game as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
An onslaught from them forced him to leave his pre-game press conference before it began. Freeman had to collect himself several times while speaking about his enduring love for the Braves and Atlanta. He then wondered how he would make it through the three-game streak.
“I don’t even know how I’m going to get through this weekend,” Freeman said.
He was surprised at how well he had done in the series opener. He reached base three times, on two walks and a single, and scored twice in the Dodgers’ 4-1 win.
“I did everything right,” he said. “I take three runs on base and two runs scored. … The best thing that happened was going into that first at-bat.”
Receiving his 2021 World Series championship ring, presented by Braves manager Brian Snitker in a pre-game ceremony, sparked further emotion from Freeman. After a tribute video to Freeman, he slowly walked to the field to join Snitker, who was standing in front of the mound next to the World Series trophy.
Braves fans stood and cheered, some chanting “Freddie! Freddi!” Freeman responded by removing his cap and raising both arms to the fans. Freeman hugged Snitker twice, including once after he put on his ring. He grinned and kissed the ring.
Minutes later, Freeman held his batting helmet out to the fans after another ovation before his first inning at-bat. The Braves’ right-hander Ian Anderson led Freeman, who later scored for a 2-0 lead with a sacrifice fly from Justin Turner. Freeman struck out in the second inning.
Freeman hit a homer in his first reunion game, a 7-4 win over the Braves on April 18 in Los Angeles.
Freeman, the 2020 NL MVP, led the Braves to their first World Series title since 1995 last season. He was widely expected to re-sign with Atlanta, but instead signed a six-year, $162 million deal with the Dodgers after failing to reach an agreement with the Braves.
After 15 years with the Braves organization, including 12 years with Atlanta, the 32-year-old has enjoyed a productive first half with the Dodgers. He hit .303 with eight homers and 45 RBIs arriving Friday and is third in the NL All-Star voting among first basemen.
Atlanta’s Matt Olson, who was acquired by the Oakland Athletics two days after losing Freeman, is fourth in the voting.
Constantly fighting his emotions, Freeman did not make eye contact with Braves reporters for the first few minutes of his press conference.
“I can’t even look at you guys because I don’t know how to get through this,” he said.
Even the beginning of the press conference was difficult. When Freeman first entered the interview room, he said, “Give me a second,” then turned and left the room for a few minutes.
Upon his return, Freeman said, “Man, I love the Braves organization with all my heart. That will never change.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he wasn’t surprised by Freeman’s declaration of his enduring love for the Braves.
“I think it’s something Freddie has been waiting for for a long time,” Roberts said. “Everyone here worships him. I still know he’ll be ready to play a baseball game.”
Upon seeing the large group of reporters before the game, Snitker joked, “Anything going on?”
Snitker had other ring ceremonies for returning players earlier this week, including San Francisco’s Joc Pederson.
“I’m happy as much as I’m happy for all the guys that we gave it to,” Snitker said of Freeman.
One of Freeman’s friends, Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson, said Thursday, “It’s always good to see old friends but I’m still looking forward to beating him.”
