Braves: Freddie Freeman’s Legacy in Atlanta
This is obviously a hard realization for many Braves fans who envisioned Freddie Freeman having a similar legendary career in Atlanta to Chipper Jones — I’m certainly one of those fans.
But let’s not forget what the first baseman gave to us fans and the city of Atlanta.
He spent 12 years in Atlanta where he made 5 All-Star appearances, won an NL MVP, and ended a 26-year World Series drought.
And not just that, but he signed an eight-year extension going into the 2014 season right ahead of a tough rebuild.
He gave plenty to the city of Atlanta, and while I hoped the Braves would get a hometown discount, he certainly didn’t owe them anything.
It was a business decision, and while I would have loved to see him stay in Atlanta, I think AA made the right move and I’m very excited about the future of the Braves.
Time will ultimately tell what Freeman’s legacy will be with the Braves. If he goes to LA and wins multiple championships, perhaps another MVP, and beats the Braves in the process, perhaps fans sour even more on him.
I would have been happy cheering for him had he signed with the Angels, Rays, Padres — pretty much any team other than the Dodgers.
When he returns to Atlanta I’ll be right there to give him a standing ovation for all he did for the franchise, but as soon as he steps in that box I’ll be hoping he strikes out.