Freddie Freeman, a player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, recently hit a walkoff grand slam in the 10th inning of Game 1 of the World Series against the New York Yankees. Freeman credited his father for teaching him his swing and expressed gratitude for the fans who welcomed him back to Dodger Stadium after he missed games to be with his son in the hospital. The stadium erupted with chants of “Fred-die, Fred-die” after his historic home run, and Freeman described the feeling as floating, with his ankle injury feeling like nothing as he rounded the bases.
During the National League Championship Series, Freeman was rested for Games 4 and 6 by manager Dave Roberts to allow him to recover from a sprained ankle sustained during a game against the San Diego Padres. Despite being initially told he would need 4 to 6 weeks to recover, Freeman returned to the lineup just 10 days later for the NL Division Series. He worked diligently during the Dodgers’ four-day break after defeating the Mets and found success with hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc, leading to his power stroke returning for the World Series.
Freeman arrived at Dodger Stadium early on game day to receive treatment on his ankle, which had reached its lowest swelling level since the injury. His game-winning grand slam in the 10th inning came after Yankees’ pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr. intentionally walked Mookie Betts to set up the at-bat for Freeman. This historic moment marked the first time a grand slam had ended a World Series game during a team’s final at-bat, with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praising Freeman’s swing and the team’s celebration.
The intentional walk to bring Freeman to the plate was a strategic decision that had been seen throughout the season, with teams opting to walk other hitters in the Dodgers lineup to face Freeman. This decision proved costly for the Yankees as Freeman delivered a game-winning hit that secured victory for the Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series. The moment was described as one of the greatest baseball moments witnessed by Roberts and a well-deserved celebration for the team.
Fans and teammates alike praised Freeman for his resilience and determination to return from his ankle injury and deliver a clutch performance in a critical game. His gratitude towards his father, fans, and hitting coach was evident in his post-game interviews, where he discussed the hard work and dedication that went into overcoming his injury and finding success on the field. As the Dodgers continued their quest for a World Series championship, Freeman’s grand slam stood out as a defining moment in the series and a testament to his skill and perseverance as a player.
