LOS ANGELES — In a heartwarming moment at Dodger Stadium, Freddie Freeman embraced his youngest son, three-year-old Maximus, showering him with kisses while his wife, Chelsea, gathered their two other sons for a family photograph. It was a night that etched itself into the annals of baseball history as Freeman contributed significantly to his team’s triumph.
Just three months prior, Freeman and his wife were anxiously by Max’s side at the hospital as he bravely fought against Guillain-Barré syndrome. Fortunately, Max has rebounded and was present to witness his father make World Series history late Friday night.
Despite nursing a severe sprain on his right ankle, Freeman had no issues making the rounds on the bases after he launched a grand slam in the tenth inning, clinching Game 1 of the World Series against the New York Yankees. The celebration with teammates was electrifying, culminating in a vigorous jump towards the screen behind home plate to share his joy with family.
“It felt like nothing, just kind of floating,” Freeman shared with a bright smile. He elaborated, “Those are the kind of things, when you’re 5 years old with your two older brothers playing wiffle ball in the backyard, those are the scenarios you dream about — two outs, bases loaded in a World Series game. For it to actually happen, getting a home run and walking it off to give us a 1-0 lead, that’s as good as it gets.”
Freeman’s formidable journey during the summer has proven that he is determined to give everything to both his passion for baseball and his family. Dodgers postseason standout Kiké Hernández praised Freeman’s tenacity, stating, “He’s doing something that’s basically heroic. Not too many superstars grind the way Freddie does. He’s a Hall of Famer, and this moment is special in his career.”
In July and August, Freeman missed eight games after Max fell ill during the All-Star Game activities in Texas. Once home, Max was hospitalized and placed on a ventilator due to partial paralysis and respiratory challenges. After being diagnosed with the rare neurological disorder, Freeman experienced the emotional strain of watching his son fight for recovery.
Thankfully, Max’s health improved, allowing Freeman to return on August 5. Before taking the field again, Freeman was visibly moved when fans honored him with a standing ovation, showing their support and understanding of the family’s ordeal. Not long afterward, Freeman faced another setback, breaking his right middle finger, but with encouragement from Manager Dave Roberts, he took necessary time off to heal.
By September, Max was back at Chavez Ravine, cheering for the Dodgers, and Freeman expressed optimism regarding his son’s complete recovery. Meanwhile, Freeman continued to shine in his role, boasting a .282 batting average with an .854 OPS, tallying 22 home runs, 89 RBIs, and 4.7 WAR.
On September 26, Freeman suffered a severe ankle injury during the last regular-season game. The Dodgers acknowledged that most players would be sidelined for weeks due to this extent of a sprain, but Freeman’s determination shone through as he aimed to persevere during the crucial October games.
He sat out three postseason games yet was able to contribute as the Dodgers reached the World Series for the first time in his three years in Southern California after moving back home. Slugger Max Muncy commented on Freeman’s steadfastness, saying, “It’s a hard conversation to have to tell him to rest. But he knows what’s best for the team, and now he’s feeling like himself to do what he did tonight.”
After a week of rest, Freeman felt his ankle was in better shape for Game 1 against the Yankees. His abilities were on full display when he tripled in the first inning — a significant feat since his last triple in June. Freeman is now one of only three players in history to hit a grand slam and a triple in a postseason game.
In a thrilling moment of the game, Freeman marveled as Giancarlo Stanton sent a massive homer soaring into the left-field stands for the Yankees. The atmosphere in Dodger Stadium echoed the legacy of the 1988 World Series, which marked another iconic Dodgers moment when Kirk Gibson hit a memorable home run. Freeman’s game-winning hit mirrored that moment and ignited celebration among fans, with memories of the past lingering in the air.
Freeman’s remarkable grand slam will be permanently remembered, and he has decided to donate his cleats to the Baseball Hall of Fame following the conclusion of the World Series.
