Freddie Freeman, first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers, capped off an unforgettable season by being named the 2024 World Series MVP. In a year marked by both personal and physical challenges, Freeman’s perseverance and performance elevated him to a historic level within Major League Baseball. His standout contributions helped the Dodgers claim victory over the New York Yankees in a five-game series, securing a cherished title. For Freeman, however, the achievement was hard-won; his path to the World Series was in doubt due to a severe ankle sprain that left his postseason availability uncertain until the last minute.
Despite this injury, which initially sidelined him during the team’s final road games, Freeman defied the odds to return to the field. His recovery was projected to take four to six weeks, but Freeman pushed through the discomfort to compete in both the National League Division Series (NLDS) and Championship Series (NLCS). Though visibly hampered, he played in all but two games, enduring flare-ups that cast doubt over his ability to perform. His resilience and determination became evident, setting the stage for one of the most memorable moments in recent Dodger history when Freeman blasted a walk-off grand slam in Game 1 of the World Series, igniting the crowd and giving Los Angeles an early advantage in the series.
Freeman’s impact on the series did not stop there. He homered again in Game 2, teaming up with Teoscar Hernández in back-to-back shots, placing the Dodgers in a strong 2-0 position. As the series shifted to Yankee Stadium, Freeman’s power was undeterred; he launched another two-run homer in Game 3, building a commanding 3-0 series lead. Even in their sole loss, Freeman’s bat remained hot, hitting yet another two-run homer in the first inning, setting an MLB record with four consecutive games homering in a World Series. Freeman wrapped up the series with six hits, including four home runs and 12 RBIs, tying an impressive World Series record, all while playing through his ankle injury.
Freeman’s 2024 season also involved a profound personal challenge. His youngest son, Maximus, was diagnosed mid-season with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder that led to temporary paralysis. The diagnosis prompted Freeman to step away from baseball to support his family, receiving an outpouring of solidarity from teammates and fans alike. Upon his return, Dodger Stadium stood in support, giving Freeman a heartfelt standing ovation, which deeply moved him. The Dodgers’ dugout wore #MaxStrong shirts, symbolizing the resilience Freeman embodied both on and off the field.
Through these trials, Freeman’s leadership became a rallying force for the Dodgers, uniting them on their path to a championship. He shared his gratitude for the team’s camaraderie, reflecting on the tight bonds that powered their success. In a joyous locker room celebration, Freeman expressed his desire to savor every moment of their accomplishment, knowing how rare it is to win a championship. For Dodgers fans and Freeman himself, the victory was a testament to resilience, camaraderie, and the undying spirit of a team built on trust and dedication.
