During the 2024 World Series, many things were happening on and off the field. We had our eyes glued to our screens. But amidst all these was one man hiding his suffering as he made sure to help the Dodgers win the ring. This led to him being the MVP of the World Series, aka none other than Freddie Freeman.

2024 was a rollercoaster ride in Freddie Freeman’s life. Alongside dealing with injuries like a sprained ankle in September and a broken costal cartilage just before the postseason, he was going through a family crisis too. Freeman battled through it all and missed only 3 postseason games and played all 5 games in the World Series.

Freeman’s son, Maximus, was hospitalized at the time. Freddie Freeman was on the road in Houston facing the Astros, and he had to leave the team immediately to be with his son. When Mookie Betts was asked about this in his recent interview with All The Smoke on YouTube, he answered, “Freddie has some fire in him, especially during the games. So when he gets going, when he puts that uniform on, he still smiles but you know it’s a switch that turns on.” 

Betts continued, “But his ability to separate the family issues and then the injuries and just lock in on like “I am going to take care of my job” and man he was…to see him get rid…..like he really didn’t practice before games, he couldn’t.” When he came on the mound, he left it all behind and did everything in his power to make his team win.

This finally did pay off when he hit that massive walk-off Grand Slam in game 1 of the World Series against the New York Yankees. He was a major part of the entire series, putting up stats of 4 home runs and 12 RBIs in the 5 games. His commitment to the team and his ability to shine under pressure have already made him a legend.

But does that negate Freddie’s family’s importance to him?

Freddie Freeman’s greatest challenge: A family’s fight for their son

Freddie Freeman had gone through some tough times with his family. Just the past year, his son, Maximus was diagnosed with a serious illness and had to be hospitalized. Upon receiving this news during his game against the Astros, a very tense Freeman left the team on the same night to join his family. A heartbreaking phase for Freeman and his wife!

Freddie Freeman’s son was suffering from Guillain-Barré syndrome. This disease directly affects the nervous system. Freeman did a 30-minute session with reporters and shared, “He didn’t deserve this. No one deserves this, anybody who goes through this.” That’s the empathetic Freeman for you – he was not just worried or glum about his 3-year-old son but also sympathized with every other family suffering from this vicious disease.

“Chelsea came upon Maximus. I’m like, ‘That’s a strong name.’ I didn’t know he was going to prove me true within four years of his life,” said Freddie. Maximus does sound like a strong name and this was proved by Freeman’s son. The kid battled through the rare disorder and recovered partially. Within just nine days, Freddie Freeman decided to join his team and brought home the World Series title.

“I’m just very thankful for the baseball community, lifting up Max in prayer and love and support,” shared an emotional Freeman. He showed his heartfelt appreciation to the baseball community and fans from all around for spreading positivity during these tough times. And humanity won over again when the Atalanta Braves made a significant donation to the charity that helps people suffering from this rare disease.

The story of Freddie Freeman speaks volumes of strength and resilience in being a father and an athlete. Maximus lived up to his name and showed the strength that comes from his blood. And with all these, the kindness and support remind us that unity has power.

Don’t you feel like putting out all your heart and respect for Freddie Freeman?