In his first game back in Atlanta as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Freddie Freeman received his World Series ring from the Braves in an emotional ceremony.
Freddie Freeman won the World Series with the Atlanta Braves, the team that drafted him, last season. That set him up for free agency, where the expectation among the fanbase was that both sides would agree to a new deal. That did not happen, and resulted in Freeman signing a multi-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The date of June 24, 2022 was marked on many Braves fans calendars, as that was Freeman’s official return to Atlanta as a member of the road team. He was overcome with emotion during his pregame press conference, and that carried over into the festivities prior to first pitch when he was introduced to the fans in attendance at Truist Park.
Freeman was in tears when he was introduced and when he received his World Series ring from former manager Brian Snitker.
Freddie Freeman overcome with emotion after receiving World Series ring from Braves
The standing ovation continued during Freeman’s first at-bat of the game. The first baseman stepped outside of the batter’s box and tipped his helmet to the Braves fans.
Freddie Freeman's first at-bat back in Atlanta is everything you'd expect it to be 🔊 pic.twitter.com/RcfiOas276
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) June 24, 2022
As mentioned earlier, the Braves and Freeman were not in agreement on a new contract, and it had to do with the term of the deal. The first baseman wanted a six-year contract, while the team was only willing to go five years.
Ultimately, the Braves acquired Matt Olson from the Oakland Athletics to replace Freeman, who went on to sign a six-year, $162 million deal with the Dodgers.
Freeman did play the Braves earlier this season, but at Dodger Stadium. In fact, Freeman recorded his first home run with his new team at the expense of his old team.
It was an emotional day for Freeman, who received a hero’s welcome from the fanbase of the Braves.