Jun 24, 2022; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) reacts while being interviewed by Bally Sports after receiving his World Series ring from the Atlanta Braves prior to the game at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
MLBBy Matt Clapp on

In 2020, Freddie Freeman won the National League MVP award with the Atlanta Braves. In 2022, he went to his fifth All-Star Game with Atlanta- and won the World Series title. He put together a fantastic 12 years with the Braves, OPS’ing .893.

Over the offseason, Freeman signed a six-year, $162 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. And on Friday, he made his return to Atlanta for the first time since leaving the Braves.

First, Freeman was very emotional while meeting with the Atlanta media ahead of Friday night’s Dodgers-Braves game at Truist Park.

Later, during a pregame ceremony, Freeman received his World Series ring and heard “Freddie! Freddie! Freddie!” chants from Braves fans.

Then Freeman addressed Braves fans in an on-field interview with Kelly Crull of Bally Sports: “I know I’ve got a different uniform on, but I still love each and every one of you guys.”

Freeman also got a huge ovation from Braves fans ahead of his first plate appearance of the game.

He even got a hug from Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. (so much for that drama?).

And as for the game, Freeman is 1-for-2 with two walks and two runs through seven innings.

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.

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