Atlanta Braves legend Freddie Freeman was recently the target of a writer from the LA Times. Here is a breakdown of what led to Freeman yelling at the journalist.
Atlanta Braves legendary first baseman Freddie Freeman was a target of negativity in a recent article by Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times.
Earlier today, Hernandez wrote an article essentially about Clayton Kershaw finally not being a curmudgeon about the All-Star game now that he’s old.
Before getting to the point of the article, the writer decided to use his platform to take a public shot at the man that gave him boo-boo feelings.
The man that gave him boo-boo feelings? Freddie Freeman.
Before we continue…
This is hard for Braves’ fans to comprehend.
Freeman at war with a journalist?
Freeman accused of being a turd?
Just wait… he even lamented the idea of having to depend on Freeman to hit in October. Huh?
Hernandez opened the article by saying, “Good thing he’s still hitting.”
Okay?
He explains that he asked Freddie if he’s mad about not being selected to the All-Star Game and Freddie replied,
"“Come on, that’s a terrible question.”"
Freddie Freeman Yells at LA Times Reporter
Of course, we aren’t privy to the totality of the exchanges that have occurred between Freeman and Hernandez.
"Freeman hit with tears in his eyes in a recent visit to old home in Atlanta and hit again Sunday after he learned of his snub, so maybe none of this matters. But, man, if I were Andrew Friedman, I’d like my $162-million No. 3 hitter to be more emotionally stable."
Let’s recap his point. Despite the emotions Freeman experienced while in Atlanta, he still hit.
Despite the fact that not only was Freeman in the home of the organization that drafted him in 2007, he hit.
Despite the fact that Freeman was visiting the city in which he helped bring a championship to, he hit.
Despite the fact that he was left off the All-Star roster in his new home stadium, he hit.
Despite the fact that he just always seems to hit, Hernandez questioned his emotional stability and his ability to hit when facing mental and emotional stress… EVEN THOUGH HE KEEPS HITTING.
He couldn’t just write his article about Kershaw, he had to take time to try and bury Freeman for having emotions about emotional things.
"The next thing I knew, Freeman was barking across the clubhouse about how I was the worst reporter he’s dealt with in his 13 years in the major leagues. I guess he still hasn’t met Bill Plaschke.And this is the guy the Dodgers will be counting on in October?Hoo-boy."
There are several parts to this quote. Freeman is barking across the clubhouse about how Hernandez is the worst reporter he’s dealt with in 13 years.
Next, Hernandez makes a snide remark about the one other person in the world who may be worse than he is at reporting baseball (his words, not mine.)
Then he sarcastically asks, “and this is the guy the Dodgers will be counting on in October? Hoo-boy”
The guy who just led the Braves to a World Championship last year? Yeah…
Don’t make me rattle off his postseason stats. If you don’t believe me, go to his Baseball-Reference page and take a look.
It’s Okay For Freeman to Show Emotion
Hernandez is using legit human emotions to accuse Freeman of being emotionally unstable. I think most of the fans in Atlanta and in Los Angeles agree, it’s okay to have emotions about baseball.
We all have emotions about baseball. Braves fans have emotions about Freddie leaving Atlanta and emotions about his return with the Dodgers.
We have emotions about his emotions during his return.
If Freeman told this dude that he’s the worst reporter he has dealt with in 13 years, there is probably some truth to that.
Unfortunately, Freeman’s not the one writing an article about it.
Do you think this guy is really the worst reporter Freddie Freeman has dealt with in his 13 years? Let us know why in the comments!