The Atlanta Braves are hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend in what will be a big three-game series. It will match up the last two World Series champions, will be a rematch of the last two National League Championship Series and will match up two of the best teams in the National League right now.
It will also mark the return of longtime Brave, Freddie Freeman, to Atlanta. And if Freeman’s pregame press conference is any indicator, the return will be emotional.
Freeman, who signed with the Dodgers in the offseason was overcome with emotions before his press conference even began.
Freddie Freeman walked in for his press conference, got emotional, had tears, then turned around and exited room.
— Gabe Burns (@GabeBurnsAJC) June 24, 2022
Once Freeman finally began to speak to the assembled media, the emotions continued to come out.
Freddie Freeman fighting back tears & trying to get through his this “being back” press conference. Grab your tissues. #Braves @BravesOnBally pic.twitter.com/EryQ5BPkXY
— Kelly Crull (@Kelly_Crull) June 24, 2022
MLB fans reacted emotionally to Freeman’s actions.
This raw moment from Freddie Freeman is pulling on every one of my heart strings https://t.co/W0rnCrrmMa
— Grace Boyles (@GraceBBoyles) June 24, 2022
If you boo this man this weekend, I have nothing for you. https://t.co/0PrOS7qz4r
— Brent Ferguson (@b_ferg12) June 24, 2022
When you see the real side of these athletes it’s eye opening. Hard when you pour your heart and soul into something. So much emotion and effort goes into any organization. https://t.co/Sey2MRuwfJ
— Josh Bryant (@CoachJB) June 24, 2022
Say whatever you want, but it is very refreshing to see a professional athlete who cares about the people and a city as much as this https://t.co/C2liyAh5Wm
— SneakerHatHead (@SneakerHatHead) June 24, 2022
I've seen many returns after a play left a team. I have never seen anything like this. For those that question "why he is crying he made his choice" you can tell he never wanted to leave.
It wasn't about the money for Freddie, he was put in this spot because of his agent. https://t.co/W8Z31IGm4F
— Eric Taylor 🏆 (@EricTaylorTTR) June 24, 2022
Guess it affected him more than I thought 🥲 https://t.co/GmWJO3tetA
— Stacie Wheeler (@StacieMWheeler) June 24, 2022
Before the Dodgers went to Atlanta, the San Francisco Giants were there to take on the Braves. That series marked the return of Joc Pederson, who was given a warm reception when he received his World Series ring and in his first at-bat of the series.
2021 World Series ring time for @yungjoc650 🙌 pic.twitter.com/e9FDyXReST
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) June 20, 2022
Even in a huge ninth-inning spot, @Braves fans give @yungjoc650 an ovation before his at-bat 👏 pic.twitter.com/D3D9OKVVdv
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) June 21, 2022
While Pederson was a postseason hero for the Braves, he was on the team for less than a full season, having been acquired in a July trade in 2021. Freeman, meanwhile, was on the Braves for more than a decade, made five All-Star Games for Atlanta, won the National League MVP in 2020 and is one of the greatest players in franchise history.
So, if the emotions were high in Pederson’s return and Freeman’s pregame press conference, we can only imagine what things will be like when Freeman hits the field for the first time.
