As Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman crossed home plate following his dramatic walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the 10th inning of Game 1 of the World Series, he felt immediately nostalgic.
Not only had Freeman just accomplished something he’s dreamed about since childhood, but he stared into the seats and locked eyes with his father, who has been by his side since Day 1. Then came the emotions as the two shared in the moment together.
During a postgame interview with Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, Freeman explained what that meant to him.
"[My dad] has been there since I was a little boy, throwing batting practice to me every day. This isn't my moment, it's his moment." 🙏@FreddieFreeman5 joins @Ken_Rosenthal after his walk-off grand slam in Game 1 for the @Dodgers! pic.twitter.com/7KH8fNfIFK
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 26, 2024
“(My Dad) has been there since I was a little boy, throwing batting practice to me every day. This isn’t my moment, it’s his moment,” Freeman said. “I just (was) screaming in his face. I’m sorry, Dad.”
But there was more to that moment than just a father and son celebrating a life-long journey. There was also a relief that Freeman was able to reach this point after battling through injury and personal tragedy.
Back in late July, Freeman and his wife rushed their son, Max, to the hospital. He was later diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the nerves.
“He’s a better father than I ever was. He really is a fabulous father,” Fred Freeman told Darren Haynes of KCAL. “I don’t think we could have made it through as a family if he wasn’t as strong as he was.
“Baseball is secondary. It used to be so important but now it’s very secondary but it’s a great secondary. We almost lost Max and … where he was and where he is today, we’re so thankful as a family.”
It’s been a long journey for Fred, Freddie, and Max but on Friday night under the brightest of lights, they were together celebrating a magical on-field moment and a family bond that can not be questioned.
