Selina

Written by Selina

Modified & Updated: 10 Oct 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

freddie freeman baseball star

Freddie Freeman is one of the most skilled and consistent first basemen in Major League Baseball (MLB). Known for his power at the plate, defensive abilities, and leadership, Freeman’s career is filled with remarkable milestones and achievements. But what makes him so special beyond the stats? This collection of 50 facts about Freeman takes a deep dive into his journey, accomplishments, and the influence he’s had both on and off the field. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his story, these facts offer a comprehensive look at his life and career.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Background

  1. Birth: Freddie Freeman was born on September 12, 1989, in Fountain Valley, California.
  2. Dual Citizenship: He holds dual Canadian and American citizenship thanks to his Canadian parents.
  3. Family Loss: Freeman’s mother passed away when he was just 10 years old, an event that deeply shaped his outlook on life and baseball.
  4. Early Baseball Start: Freeman began playing baseball at age two, showing early promise in the sport.
  5. High School Success: Attended El Modena High School in Orange, California, where he earned Player of the Year honors in 2007 from the Orange County Register.

Professional Career

  1. Drafted by the Braves: The Atlanta Braves selected Freeman in the second round of the 2007 MLB Draft.
  2. Major League Debut: He made his MLB debut on September 1, 2010, against the New York Mets.
  3. Rookie Standout: Finished second in the 2011 NL Rookie of the Year voting.
  4. First All-Star Appearance: Earned his first All-Star selection in 2013.
  5. National League MVP: Freeman won the prestigious National League MVP award in 2020.

Statistics and Achievements

  1. Career Batting Average: As of June 2024, Freeman holds a career batting average of .301.
  2. Home Run Milestones: Over 330 home runs mark his consistent power at the plate.
  3. RBIs: Freeman has driven in more than 1,184 RBIs over his career.
  4. All-Star Honors: Named an All-Star eight times throughout his career.
  5. Gold Glove Winner: Earned a Gold Glove Award in 2018 for his stellar defense at first base.

Awards and Recognition

  1. Silver Slugger Awards: Won three Silver Slugger Awards in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
  2. World Series Champion: Played a key role in the Atlanta Braves’ 2021 World Series victory.
  3. Unique Season Achievement: In 2023, he became the only first baseman in MLB history to have 20 home runs, 20 stolen bases, and 200 hits in a season.
  4. Career Hits Milestone: On June 18, 2023, Freeman recorded his 2,000th career hit.
  5. Record-Breaking Doubles: Set a Los Angeles Dodgers franchise record in 2023 with 53 doubles in a single season.

Personal Life

  1. Family Life: Freeman married Chelsea Goff in November 2014, and the couple has three sons together.
  2. Charity Involvement: Actively supports charitable organizations, especially those focused on helping children and families affected by cancer.
  3. International Play: Represents Canada in international competitions like the World Baseball Classic, thanks to his Canadian heritage.

Playing Style

  1. Batting Technique: Known for a smooth left-handed swing, Freeman is considered one of the most efficient hitters in baseball.
  2. Defensive Excellence: Aside from his offensive firepower, he’s lauded for his defensive prowess at first base.

Milestones and Records

  1. Rookie RBI Record: He became the first Braves rookie since Hank Aaron to reach 50 RBIs by July in his rookie season.
  2. Multi-Homer Games: Achieved his first multi-home run game on July 4, 2011.

Recent Developments

  1. Switch to Dodgers: After 12 seasons with the Braves, Freeman signed a six-year, $162 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2022.
  2. Consistent Performance: By August 2023, Freeman ranked among league leaders in several key offensive categories, continuing his dominance at the plate.

Fun Facts

  1. Nickname: Known affectionately as “Freddie” by fans and teammates, he’s also considered one of baseball’s most approachable players.
  2. Childhood Fandom: Freeman grew up rooting for the Los Angeles Angels, which helped shape his early ambitions as a player.

Community Engagement

  1. Youth Baseball Advocate: Supports youth baseball programs across the country, helping to nurture the next generation of players.
  2. Mentorship Role: Often takes younger players under his wing, offering advice and guidance both on and off the field.

Health Challenges

  1. COVID-19 Battle: In July 2020, Freeman contracted COVID-19 but made a swift recovery to finish out the season at a high level.

Legacy

  1. Future Hall of Famer?: Given his career achievements, many experts see Freeman as a potential Hall of Fame inductee when his playing days are over.

Additional Stats

  1. Career Hits: By June 2024, Freeman surpassed 2,189 hits in his MLB career.
  2. Plate Discipline: Known for his patience at the plate, Freeman has consistently maintained a high on-base percentage throughout his career.

Influences and Training

  1. Father’s Role: Freeman’s father played an instrumental role in his early baseball training, dedicating hours to refining his skills as a young athlete.
  2. Practice Regimen: Freeman and his father would focus on specific aspects of his swing in each session, which helped build the foundation for his successful career.

Cultural Impact

  1. International Representation: With dual citizenship, Freeman’s international play has allowed him to represent both his Canadian roots and American upbringing on the world stage.

Notable Games

  1. Clutch Performances: Freeman has delivered in crucial moments during the postseason, including game-changing hits in key playoff games.

Future Aspirations

  1. Dodger Success: As he continues with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Freeman aims to build on his legacy and help bring additional championships to the franchise.

Personal Interests

  1. Family Focus: Off the field, Freeman prioritizes spending time with his family, balancing a demanding baseball career with his role as a father and husband.

Respect Among Peers

  1. Admired in MLB: Freeman is widely respected by fellow players, both for his skill on the field and his humble, sportsmanlike attitude off the field.

Media Presence

  1. Fan Engagement: Freeman regularly interacts with fans via social media, sharing moments from his personal life and engaging with the community.

Career Longevity

  1. Durability: Freeman has proven to be one of the most durable athletes in baseball, maintaining high performance levels into his mid-thirties.

Historical Comparisons

  1. Comparisons to Legends: Often compared to some of baseball’s all-time greats, Freeman’s combination of power, consistency, and leadership draws parallels to legendary players.

Philanthropy

  1. Cancer Support: Inspired by his personal experiences with family members affected by cancer, Freeman is an advocate for cancer research and fundraising efforts.

Influence on Young Players

  1. Inspiration for Future Generations: Freeman’s journey from a young baseball enthusiast to an MLB star inspires young players worldwide who aspire to follow in his footsteps.

Legacy Building

  1. A Career to Remember: As Freeman continues to add to his impressive resume, his legacy in baseball is firmly cemented, ensuring his place among the game’s greats.

Final Word

Freddie Freeman’s career is a testament to hard work, dedication, and resilience. From his early days in California to becoming one of MLB’s most respected players, his journey is marked by both personal and professional milestones. As a consistent force at the plate and a leader in the clubhouse, Freeman’s impact on the game extends far beyond his statistics. Whether through his charitable work or mentoring younger players, his legacy continues to grow, solidifying his place among baseball’s greats. These 50 facts offer just a glimpse into the extraordinary career of a true MLB standout.

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