Dodgers' Freddie Freeman emotional as he returns to Atlanta; atlanta braves city connect jersey 'I'm just happy to be back'

It waMLB Watchess always going to be an emotional return to Trust Park for the Dodgers' Freddie Freeman. He spent 15 years in the Braves' organization, going from highly touted prospect to National League MVP and finally World Series champion.

Freeman left Atlanta for Los Angeles last winter, but his heart still lies with the Braves. Freeman was visibly shaken in a press conference before the Dodgers' weekend series in Atlanta.

"I've always told you guys how much I love the Braves and this city," Freeman told reporters. "I don't even know how I'm going to get through this weekend, to be honest."

And the emotions came flooding over him again once Freeman took the field. The five-time All-Star was presented with his World Series ring prior to the game and was greeted with a standing ovation. A tearful Freeman said after the game that he was touched by the gesture.

The emotion continued once Freeman stepped to the plate for his first plate appea atlanta braves jersey red rance. Braves catcher Travis d'Arnaud stood in front of the pl Mike Trout Angels Jerseys ate, allowing Freeman to take in the applause that surrounded him.

In typical Freeman fashion, he drew a walk. He ended up going 1 for 3 with two walks and two runs scored as the Dodgers edged past the Braves 4-1.

After the game, Freeman only had one thing on his mind: the fans he stood in front of for 12 years.

Freeman ended his Braves career on top, hoisting the World Series trophy last fall. In men s atlanta braves jersey the offseason, he wanted a six-year deal to stay, something Atlanta wasn't willing to grant a 32-year old, even one as talented as Freeman. Los Angeles agreed to Freeman's request and he ended up in Dodger blue.

MORE: Freeman, Braves each made right choice in free-agency drama

Atla atlanta braves jersey custom nta took a big step to ensure FreeMLB Polo Shirtsman's loss wouldn't put too big of a hole in the lineup, bringing in Matt Olson in a trade with the Athletics prior to the start of the 2022 season and signing him to an eight-year extension.

Those moves have been fairly beneficial for both parties so far. Freeman is still one of the top left-handed bats in the league. He entered Friday with eight homers, 45 RBIs and a .303/.386/.494 slash line in 68 games for the NL West-leading Dodgers. Olson hasn't been quite as good as he was in 2021, but the 28-year-old came into Friday with a 119 OPS+ while having played in every game for the Braves.

Freeman couldn't help but reminisce about his time in Atlanta when he was at the podium before Friday's game. He said he hadn't expected to break down an hour before the presser, but he couldn't help but get emotional as he returned to his old stomping grounds.

Freeman couldn't even get to the microphone without s atlanta braves jersey albies hedding a few tears. 

Moments before Friday's game, the Braves posted a heartwarming video of Freeman's best moments with the organization across their social media platforms. They also showed the video on the big screen at Truist Park, sending the Braves' faithful into raptures.

If Friday was any indication, expect to see more tears and more reminiscin atlanta braves gold jersey g as Freeman and the Braves celebrate their joyous reunion.

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