It really was no surprise that the Atlanta Braves first baseman was the winner of the NL Hank Aaron Award on Wednesday night — he’s the perfect recipient.
To me, there is no greater legend in Atlanta Braves history other than Hank Aaron. And that’s coming from somebody who never even got to watch him play.
But the impact he had on the game, and continues to have the game, just shows how great he was — and is — to not just the sport of baseball but our culture in general.
He’s someone of ultimate class that everyone in the game looks up to and reveres.
That’s why I feel like Freddie Freeman was the perfect recipient for the award named after the Hammerin’ Hank.
Freddie shares those same qualities as Hank and is considered a great talent on the field and an even greater human being off the field.
I mean, if this moment doesn’t make you a little emotional — especially as a Braves fan — then you need to check your heart.
"Keep going, doing what you're doing." - @HenryLouisAaron to the 2020 NL Hank Aaron Award recipient, @FreddieFreeman5.@Braves | https://t.co/TQFI3UeLKK pic.twitter.com/5wy37vJWFq
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 9, 2020
Of course, there is the fact that both of them played for the Braves and are legends of the franchise.
And yes, I already consider Freddie a legend. He’s now spent 10 years with the Braves and has been a top 10 player in all of baseball over that stretch.
What’s also really cool is that Mark Bowman got a quote from Hank Aaron back in February saying that Freddie Freeman was his favorite player.
If your Freddie Freeman right now how do you not jump around your house like a little school girl knowing that your Hank Aaron’s favorite player?
Actually, I wouldn’t surprise if Freddie does jump around his house like that on occasion.
And isn’t he really everyone’s favorite player? I mean, even fans of opposing teams respect Freddie Freeman for the player and person he is — and that’s what makes him so special and so perfect for this award.