Freddie Freeman knew the tears would come. He saw them coming like a high fastball aimed right at his heart. “I think everyone who knows me knows I usually get emotional during these kinds of things…and I’m not afraid to show my emotions,” he admitted ahead of the game.

And just like that, as Freeman stepped onto the field at Truist Park—his old home—for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, the floodgates opened. The crowd couldn’t keep calm watching their past franchise icon and broke out in chants of “FREDDIE! FREDDIE!” It echoed from the All-Star red carpet through to the stadium.

This was not just another All-Star Game for Freeman. This was homecoming. And so before the first pitch, he took the mic and addressed his fans—and it was everything he said it would be—emotional.

An emotional Freddie Freeman shared, “My hands are sweaty right now, the ovation I got is special. I watched the place get filled…. It’s an honor to be back. I could be here all day, talking to the fans.” Freeman paused as the crowd cheered for him and then continued, “From the bottom of my heart, thank you. My first 12 years, I got to spend in the city, I have got standing ovations when I came back, you guys cheered for me. You watched me before I became a father and husband, and now here as a husband and father with three awesome boys. So, thank you guys for everything.” 

Freeman had spent 12 years in Atlanta, had become the face of the franchise, and helped the Braves win a World Series. He was special, and the crowd made sure to let him know. And if you remember, Freeman’s exit from Atlanta was far from simple. Contract talks fell apart, and in 2022, he signed a six-year deal with the Dodgers. The departure was painful for him and his fans.

Freeman even cried during his first press conference back, simply overwhelmed by the moment. Now, four years later, he has returned not as a visiting player but as an All-Star and is back in the clubhouse where it all began, somewhere where he built his legacy. Freeman has been dreaming of this moment ever since the All-Star Game was announced for Atlanta. “I think we kind of circled this game when they announced it would be here. I just needed to play well in 2025 to make it. And I did.”

Even Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts knew how much it meant to him. “It was marked on his calendar. His goal was to get back here and get in front of the Braves’ faithful that cheered him on for 11 or 12 years, so he’s back sleeping in his own bed, back in his old clubhouse, and he’s excited.”

It was not just about the ovations or the accolades; it was a city that still had a piece of his heart.

Freddie Freeman about Matt Olson, the Braves’ replacement

For Freeman, this was maybe more than homecoming, though; it was a second chance to say goodbye. It all started on Monday, when Freeman walked into the clubhouse for the first time in years. And his eyes misted the moment he stepped in. And the dam broke loose when he saw Braves manager Brian Snitker. After all, he was the one who had coached Freeman since 2010 and embraced him like family. He was there at Freeman’s wedding, mentored him through the losing lessons, and even shared the joy of winning a title in 2021. “I was so looking forward to being in that same clubhouse with him again,” Snitker shared. “He has meant so much to me and this organization.”

But then came the locker. Freeman turned and saw the spot that used to have his name now had the name of Matt Olson, the man that Atlanta chose to replace him with. However, he mentioned that there was no resentment, only pride. “Matt is a great player in his own right. He has the skills and mindset to succeed, and I have no doubt he’ll do great things for the Braves.” And well, Olson is playing right next in the All-Star game.

Freeman knows what it means to carry the franchise. He did it during Atlanta’s roughest rebuild years, playing nearly every day, every year, year after year. Plus, for Freeman, grit is his second name. Freddie Freeman showcased his determination last year in all his glory. And now he is watching Olson do it in his way, but with the same expectations. For sure, Freeman’s ninth All-Star appearance felt more like a showcase and more like a chapter closing.