Freddie Freeman had a breakout World Series for the Los Angeles Dodgers, including a walk-off grand slam to end Game 1 in the tenth inning against the New York Yankees during Game One of the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium last Friday in Los Angeles, California.

Harry Hoe/Getty Images

hide caption

change caption

Harry Hoe/Getty Images

For Freddie Freeman, history felt like floating.

“It felt like nothing. I was just floating,” he said when asked to describe the thrill of hitting the first walk-off grand slam the World Series had ever seen.

Freeman’s historic shout-out in Game 1 of this year’s series between his Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees was a highlight in itself — “as good as it gets,” Freeman said afterward.

“It might be the greatest baseball moment I’ve ever experienced,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “And I’ve witnessed some great ones.”

But Freeman’s Grand Slam in Game 1 was just the start of an all-time World Series performance from the Dodgers first baseman, who was named the series’ Most Valuable Player after Los Angeles clinched the title with a 7-6 victory in Game 5.

Freeman set a Major League record for most consecutive World Series games with a home run – a streak of six that began with the final two games of his 2021 series appearance with the Atlanta Braves and continued with the first four games against the Yankees.

His streak ended in Game 5, but Freeman’s two-RBI single in the fifth inning was the key to the Dodgers’ comeback victory. His twelve runs batted in in the five-game series tied a World Series record set in 1960.

Overcoming challenges in 2024

His resume was enough to earn Cooperstown a spot in the National Baseball Hall of Fame – the 2020 NL MVP, eight All-Star appearances, one Gold Glove and three Silver Slugger awards and the 2021 World Series ring.

But this year has been a struggle, according to Freeman. The 35-year-old had missed time earlier this season when his three-year-old son Maximus was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome.

One morning in July, Max woke up with a limp that quickly worsened; He could no longer walk at night, Freeman recalled during an emotional news conference in August. Ultimately, the toddler was hospitalized and had to be put on a ventilator.

“No one should have to go through this, especially a three-year-old,” Freeman said at the time. “I don’t know how many times (my wife) and I said, ‘We wish we could switch.’” He missed eight games before returning to the lineup when his son’s condition began to improve.

Freddie Freeman acknowledges the fans’ applause at the plate as he returns to the lineup on August 5, 2024 after missing eight games to be with his hospitalized son.

Harry Hoe/Getty Images

hide caption

change caption

Harry Hoe/Getty Images

Then, in late September, Freeman sprained his ankle in a game against the San Diego Padres, an injury that affected his offensive performance during the Dodgers’ first two playoff series.

Now his son is expected to make a full recovery and his ankle is expected to improve, Freeman said. “It’s been a lot these past few months,” he said Friday. “But things are going so well at home. Max is doing great.”

During the World Series, when Freeman electrified both the fans and the dugout night after night with his home runs, there was one person for whom it was especially meaningful.

After Game 1’s Grand Slam, Freeman circled the bases and then ran to the stands to greet his father, who was sitting near home plate.

“He’s been giving me batting practice since I can remember. My swing is because of him. My approach is because of him. I am who I am because of him,” Freeman said.

“If he didn’t give me batting practice, if he didn’t love the game of baseball, I wouldn’t be here playing this game,” he said. “So that’s Fred Freeman’s moment right there.”

Freddie Freeman celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off grand slam during the tenth inning against the New York Yankees during Game One of the 2024 World Series.

Steph Chambers/Getty Images

hide caption

change caption

Steph Chambers/Getty Images

For the rest of the Dodgers, their teammate’s journey was another source of motivation.

“When you see what Freddie’s been through with his ankle injury, how early he’s gotten there, and the time he’s been taken away from his family, especially with what’s happened this year, it makes everyone want to jump on board,” said pitcher . Jack Flaherty said after Game 3.

“If you do things the right way, play the right way, you’re a good teammate. I believe the game honors you. And tonight Freddie was honored,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after Game 1. “It was a tough match. To his credit, he found a way to keep progressing for his teammates. So I couldn’t be happier.”