Steve Webb
NEW YORK, NY — In an emotional interview following the Dodgers’ World Series victory over the New York Yankees, Freddie Freeman took a moment to savor the achievement with his teammates and fans, reflecting on a season marked by challenges, grit, and ultimately, triumph. The Dodgers, who seemed to face every possible roadblock this year, proved their resilience, rallying from a five-run deficit in the final game to bring the championship home to Los Angeles. As Freeman noted, this victory carried extra weight in the wake of Fernando Valenzuela’s recent passing, adding a bittersweet, symbolic layer to their win.
A Season of Setbacks and Perseverance
Freeman, a seasoned veteran, spoke of the grueling journey the team had endured from spring training to their final victory in the Fall Classic. “I don’t think that was on the script for how we started off this year,” he admitted, describing the numerous challenges, injuries, and setbacks that had initially marred their season. Yet, he emphasized, these hardships ultimately rallied the team, strengthening their bonds and fueling their determination. This season, as Freeman put it, “seemed like we hit every speed bump possible,” yet these obstacles only galvanized their resolve.
Throughout the year, the Dodgers demonstrated an uncanny ability to overcome adversity, most notably in the NLDS when they clawed their way back from a 2-1 series deficit. Freeman explained, “To come back and win those two games and to keep it going like we did, it’s just a special group of guys.” The team’s relentless pursuit of excellence was evident in every playoff series, and Freeman credited the “special group of guys” in the Dodgers’ clubhouse for their championship success.
Freddie’s Personal Struggles and Triumphs
While the Dodgers’ path to victory was challenging, Freeman’s personal life had also been a test of endurance. Reflecting on his family’s hardships, especially with his young son Maximus, Freeman opened up about the mental and emotional toll it took on him. “It’s been a grind for three months,” he said, adding that Maximus’s recent health improvements made the journey even more meaningful. However, he was quick to separate his family’s experiences from his career achievements, saying, “I’ll never compare Maximus to baseball… they’re just two separate things.” For Freeman, this World Series win marked a hard-fought victory on both professional and personal fronts.
Mastery at the Plate
Freeman’s stellar postseason performance culminated in the World Series, where he dominated the batter’s box, hitting crucial home runs in four consecutive games and delivering a historic walk-off. Describing his mindset during his hot streak, Freeman said, “You don’t really think about it… things just seem to be slowing down.” He credited experience and preparation, noting the work he put in between the NLCS and World Series to fine-tune his swing. With a deep understanding of the game, Freeman found his rhythm, saying, “All you’re trying to do is swing at strikes, take balls, and hit the mistakes.”
In the fifth inning of Game 5, Freeman showed off this laser focus when he stepped up to the plate as the Dodgers trailed the Yankees. After fouling off a tough change-up from Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, Freeman adjusted and lined a single up the middle. The Dodgers’ offense was ignited, and the team scored five runs to tie the game. As Freeman explained, the key to staying in the game was “to chip away” at the Yankees’ lead. With relentless effort, the Dodgers clawed their way back, and Freeman’s contributions were critical to that momentum shift.
Celebrating the Team and Honoring Fernando
For Freeman, the Dodgers’ World Series victory was a testament to the collective effort of the entire organization. He emphasized that his success was only possible because of his teammates, explaining, “I got asked about the RBIs, and RBIs are because there were guys on base.” Freeman also praised the Dodgers’ bullpen, singling out Walker Buehler and Blake Treinen for their incredible efforts in a pivotal, late-series bullpen game. According to Freeman, “Everyone was in that room and contributing from day one.”
The Dodgers’ victory was bittersweet for Los Angeles, coming just days after the passing of Dodgers icon Fernando Valenzuela. Known for his groundbreaking “Fernandomania,” Valenzuela’s influence reached far beyond baseball, inspiring generations of fans and players alike. Freeman acknowledged this legacy, describing Valenzuela as “electric” and recalling the deep impact he had on fans around the world. The Dodgers’ win, Freeman said, felt “a little bittersweet” but was ultimately a tribute to Valenzuela’s enduring spirit and connection to the city. “I wish he was here,” Freeman shared, envisioning Valenzuela and his own mother “jumping up and down” with joy from above.
Reflecting on a Special Season
For now, Freeman is still processing the magnitude of the Dodgers’ victory and his pivotal role in it. “It’s hard to comprehend because we just won about an hour ago,” he admitted, knowing that it may take days or weeks for the full weight of his accomplishments to sink in. Winning the World Series is a childhood dream come true for most players, and for Freeman, achieving it in Los Angeles—especially with so many friends, family, and fans by his side—makes this moment all the more special.
With the Dodgers’ championship secured, Freeman can finally celebrate a long and difficult season with his teammates, savoring a journey that will be remembered as one of resilience, teamwork, and triumph. And in the hearts of Dodgers fans, this victory will forever carry the memory of Fernando Valenzuela, the spirit of Los Angeles baseball, and the indomitable will of players like Freddie Freeman.
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
