The Los Angeles Dodgers were thrilled to be back in the NLCS, and the Dodger stadium was lit with positive energy on Friday night. The team, the players, the staff, and others gathered around the mound to celebrate the moment. But a key person was missing; that is when the chants of ‘Freddie! Freddie!’ filled the stadium. And Freddie Freeman didn’t keep the fans waiting, hobbling over to join his team.

Freeman had sprained his ankle just 15 days ago; if it was any other player, they would probably be on rest for six weeks, but not Freddie Freeman. He was back within a week to help the Dodgers win over the San Diego Padres. This is how Freeman has essentially been always present for his team – this season threw not just physical injuries at him, but even a mental and emotional toll with his son in the ICU, nonetheless, he always came back to play.

Freddie Freeman giving the game his all

The men in blue opened Game 1 of the NLCS with a whirlwind of 9-0 over the New York Mets. But it was truly Freeman who stole the spotlight. Despite the injury, he completely sidelined the pain and powered through. In the first inning, Freddie Freeman took off from second base on Max Muncy’s single, pushing through 180 feet of agony to score. His expression gave away the pain he was in, and Betts had to essentially catch hold of him at the home plate. ‘I gave it all I’ve got,” Freeman admitted after the game, but his antics didn’t stop just there!

Freeman gave two more hits, including an RBI single during an important three-run fourth inning, that helped the Dodgers get a good cushion. Manager Dave Roberts was in absolute awe of his play, but due to the severity of his pain, Freddie Freeman had to be replaced in the eighth inning. But with his performance, the Dodgers star had already earned the respect of his teammates. Kevin Kiermaier summed it up best: “We have the utmost respect for him and the way he goes about it. He’s an absolute dog.” If the Dodgers want to end their championship drought, that exact attitude is what’s getting them there.

Why Freddie Freeman is built differently?

Freddie Freeman’s drive to play, even when he is facing such injuries, isn’t something he picked on a whim. It’s a trait built on years of determination, something he picked off his dad. Freeman grew up watching his dad always battle through life’s challenges, and also, always show up despite all odds. “That’s how I was raised. That’s what my job is. You do it every single day, no matter the circumstances,” Freeman explained, adding, “My job is to play baseball.” Freeman has lived by those words this season – which helped shape him into the ‘Iron Man’ we see him as today.

Freddie Freeman’s ultimate sacrifice—his body for the game—hasn’t gone unnoticed by anyone – whether its fans, teammates, or coaches. Dave Roberts, manager of the team, too, couldn’t hold back his admission for his player. “So he’s sacrificing his body right now. He’s doing a lot that people don’t know about to stay on the field,” said Roberts after he watched Freeman play in pain. Even fellow teammate Gavin Lux was just in awe of Freeman, calling him a ‘different breed’ of person.

Gavin pointed out how many don’t see that Freeman has broken bones all over and can barely walk. “He’s out there making plays, stealing bases—they just don’t make them like him anymore,” Lux further emphasized. Even when every step hurts, Freeman’s grit and determination make him the backbone of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has played 99% of the games over the last five years, and that speaks a lot about him.

What do you think about Freddie Freeman’s resilient approach? Let us know below.