los angeles dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman represents Canada in the World Baseball Classic this year, despite being born and raised in California. But for Freeman, the decision to play for Canada means something special.
In an interview published by the Dodgers on Monday, Freeman explained that his parents were born in canada — her father in Ontario and her mother, Rosemary Freeman, in a town outside of Toronto.
Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on during a game against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on October 2, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
At age 10, Freeman tragically lost his mother to skin cancer.
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«I played for Team Canada for a very sincere reason for me and my family,» said an emotional Freeman.
«I don’t know if this is what she would want me to do, but in my heart, it’s what I feel I should do. That’s why I play the game.» [in Canada]It’s to honor my mom.»
Freddie Freeman #5 of Team Canada scores a run in the third inning during Game 3 of Pool C between Team Great Britain and Team Canada at Chase Field on Sunday March 12, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photos by Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB via Getty Images)
The 33-year-old infielder went on to say that Dodgers fans might be surprised to learn of the little «things» he does at every game to honor his memory, including wearing sleeves because he passed away from skin cancer and wearing a necklace. with a padlock of hers.
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«So Dodgers fans, when you meet me, almost everything I do is for my mother and this is what I feel is right.»
He continued: «I know a lot of people don’t get it. I was born in California, I know that. But in my heart, honoring my mother and playing for Team Canada is the right decision for me.»
Freddie Freeman #5 of Team Canada looks on before Game 6 of Pool C between Team Canada and Team USA at Chase Field on Monday, March 13, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photos by Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB via Getty Images)
«I just hope she’s proud of me. Twenty-three years never goes away. That’s all I want. I hope she’s smiling.»
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While Freeman’s teammates would certainly prefer to have him on their bench, it’s a decision they respect.
«That describes what Freddy is about,» said six-time All Star Mookie Betts, via ESPN. «And if I get to first base, yeah, we’ll have some fun. Freddie and I have that bond, but that bond with a mother is special.»