Freddie Freeman gets emotional before facing the Braves for the first time

Freddie Freeman faced the Atlanta Braves for the first time since joining the Los Angeles Dodgers, and it was an emotional journey for him.

As the Los Angeles Dodgers rejoiced in their 7-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves, no player seemed as emotionally conflicted as Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman. Freeman, a former Braves first baseman who has been largely credited with bringing Atlanta their first World Series win since 1995, had been on the Braves for his entire 12-year MLB career before signing with Los Angeles in March.

In a Bally Sports South interview, Freeman opened up about the sentimentality of playing against the Braves.

Freeman, holding back tears, expressed his thankfulness for his time with the Braves and reflected on his fond memories with the team. He was given a warm welcome by his former teammates as well as Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos, who greeted him by saying, “Hi, world champion,” according to Freeman.

“I’m looking forward to seeing them again and playing in front of them again [at Truist Park] because that’s one of my favorite places on Earth,” Freeman said, his voice breaking as he spoke.

Freddie Freeman holds back tears after battling the Atlanta Braves

Braves fans were emotional upon his debut against his former team. His new fans among the Dodgers crowd began chanting his name every time he went up to bat. Freeman lived up to the hype and produced a home run. This was a special moment for him because his first home run as a Dodger happened at the expense of his former team.

Freeman’s home run hit drove strong through left-center field at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

Though his home run had all the makings of a powerful revenge game hit, Freeman denied that there was any special motivation behind it. It seemed to be a mere coincidence that it occurred against the Braves.

"“I know there’s storylines, and everyone wants to run and say this and that, but the only storyline today was I was just happy to see my friends again.” -Freddie Freeman, via ESPN"

Freeman’s first game against his former team was memorable for both the 2020 and 2021 World Championship teams, and it will likely be one that Freeman cherishes as he begins his new journey with the Dodgers.