Freddie Freeman overcome with emotion as he returns to face the Braves for first time

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — An emotional Freddie Freeman addressed the media before his first return to Atlanta, now as a visitor.

Freeman and the Braves parted ways in the offseason after Atlanta traded for Matt Olson and Freeman signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

While addressing the media before his return to Truist Park, Freeman was overcome by emotion, thanking everyone in the organization and the fans for their support since the organization drafted him in 2007.

Freeman was crying even before he sat down to speak. He looked away and paused to gather himself before struggling to speak. You can watch the raw video above.

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“It’s hard to look up and see people I have been with for 15 years. It’s really hard to put into words,” Freeman said. “I am just happy to be back. This organization, the media people who covered me, the fans.... everyone who helped me be who I am today.”

In his last season with the team, Freeman played a pivotal part in the team winning the World Series for the first time since 1995. Freeman caught the last out and put his arms up in celebration, something he reminisced before the game on Friday.

“We went through a lot of ups and downs in my 12 years, and we reached the pinnacle last year, winning it all. That ring is not just a ring to me,” Freeman said. “All the sacrifices, all the missed family time... to finally win it all, there is no better feeling in the sport.”

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Freeman will receive his World Series ring prior to Friday’s series opener against the Dodgers.

“I love the Braves organization with all my heart, and that will never change,” Freeman said.

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