The Los Angeles Dodgers are World Series champions once again, and first baseman Freddie Freeman played a starring role in their title run. Freeman’s record-setting home run streak and clutch hitting earned him World Series MVP honors, cementing his place in Fall Classic history.
A Heroic Homer for the Ages
In Game 1, Freeman authored a signature World Series moment. With the Dodgers trailing 3-2 in the 10th inning, the hobbled slugger launched a dramatic walk-off grand slam, the first ever in a World Series game. The blast evoked memories of another iconic Dodger homer – Kirk Gibson’s legendary 1988 shot.
That was a shot that will live forever in the lore of Dodger baseball. To do it while battling an ankle injury just makes it that much more remarkable.
– Dodgers manager Dave Roberts
A Historic Home Run Streak
Freeman didn’t stop there. He homered in each of the first four games of the Series, becoming the first player to accomplish that feat. The first baseman broke the previous record of home runs in three straight World Series games, set by George Springer in 2017.
The homers showcased Freeman’s prodigious power and flair for the dramatic. His Game 2 and 3 shots were both go-ahead blasts that swung momentum in the Dodgers’ favor. By the time he went deep again in Game 4, it was clear something special was unfolding.
Clutch Contributions Beyond the Long Ball
Though Freeman’s homer streak ended in Game 5, he still delivered in the clutch. His two-out, two-run single in the 7th inning provided critical insurance runs in the Dodgers’ championship-clinching 7-6 victory. He finished the Series with eye-popping numbers:
- .300 batting average
- 4 home runs
- 12 RBIs
- 7-game RBI streak (tied for 3rd longest in World Series history)
Those stats made Freeman the clear choice for World Series MVP. He became the 12th player to win both a regular season and World Series MVP award. Of the previous 11 to accomplish the feat, 10 are enshrined in Cooperstown.
The Consummate Teammate and Leader
Freeman’s impact goes beyond his gaudy numbers. His veteran presence and leadership helped guide a star-studded Dodgers team through the postseason crucible. Manager Dave Roberts summed up what makes Freeman so special:
Freddie is the ultimate team player and leader. His dedication, work ethic and selflessness set the tone for our club. He makes everyone around him better.
– Dave Roberts
In an era of free agency and roster turnover, Freeman has been a model of consistency and loyalty. After signing with the Dodgers in 2022 following a 12-year run in Atlanta that included a World Series title, he’s proven to be the same indispensable player and galvanizing force in Los Angeles.
Carving Out a Cooperstown-Worthy Legacy
At age 34, Freeman is building a compelling Hall of Fame case. His trophy case now includes a regular season MVP, World Series MVP, two Silver Slugger Awards, a Gold Glove, and a batting title. He’s a six-time All-Star who’s hit over .300 eight times while providing stellar defense at first base.
But more than the individual accolades, it’s Freeman’s penchant for shining brightest when the stakes are highest that is defining his legacy. From his NLCS MVP with the Braves in 2021 to this supernatural World Series showing, he’s proven to be one of this generation’s greatest October performers.
Freddie Freeman authored an all-time great World Series performance to lead the Dodgers to glory. With more chapters still to be written in his stellar career, his place among the game’s legends only grows more secure with each passing autumn.
