“I Expect Boos,” Freddie Freeman Has Perfect Response to Braves Fans Booing Him in NLDS Game 3

Before moving to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2022, Freddie Freeman spent 12 years with the Atlanta Braves and won the World Series in 2021.

“I Expect Boos,” Freddie Freeman Has Perfect Response to Braves Fans Booing Him in NLDS Game 3

Freddie Freeman (Image via X/JustBB_Media)

Freddie Freeman and the Los Angeles Dodgers took a major step towards another National League Championship Series (NLCS) appearance with a 3-1 win on Tuesday. Following the game, the first baseman responded to the boos from the Atlanta Braves fans.

Before joining the Dodgers in 2022, Freeman spent 12 years with the Braves organization. He went on to become one of the greatest names in Braves history and was part of their 2021 World Series-winning team.

The game on Tuesday marked his first postseason game in Atlanta since Game 5 of the World Series against the Houston Astros. In the years gone by, the fans in Atlanta have usually cheered whenever he stepped up to the plate or hit home runs.

This changed in Game 3 of the National League Division Series (NLDS). With the series tied at 1-1 after Game 2, it was important for both teams to get off to a good start.

In the third inning, Freeman was robbed of a home run. After facing some boos from the crowd, he lifted the ball towards left field. Mauricio Dubon tracked back and bounced off the left-field ball to keep the game level and deny Freeman his big moment back in Atlanta.

The 3-time World Series winner had the last laugh, though. After Kike Hernandez opened the scoring in the 4th inning with his 17th postseason home run, Freeman cracked a ball to right field and put his side up 3-0.

The 3 runs against Chris Sale were enough for the Dodgers to win. They took a 2-1 series lead and are one win away from another NLCS appearance.

In the press conference, Freeman was asked about the hostile reception he received. The 37-year-old had no issues with this and claimed he expected boos from the Atlanta crowd as he was wearing an opposing jersey.

I’ve got a gray uniform on; I expect boos. It’s OK. I’ve had wonderful experiences with the white uniform on here, and I loved every second of it. I get it. This is a game. We’re trying to win the game. They want to win it for their team.

Freddie Freeman told the reporters as per MLB.com

This home run was Freeman’s 9th home run in the postseason for the Dodgers and his 18th overall. He had also homered in Game 2, where the Dodgers lost 3-2.

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Freddie Freeman got real about facing Chris Sale in Game 3

The emotions were high on Tuesday night for Freddie Freeman as he played in his first postseason game in Atlanta in a different uniform. On top of that, he had to go against a dominant Chris Sale. After his team won, he got real about facing the Braves’ starting pitcher.

Freddie Freeman and Chris Sale
Freddie Freeman and Chris Sale (Image via X/@MLBONFOX/X/@baseballisdead_)

Game 3 saw Yoshinobu Yamamoto go up against Sale. The two pitchers had shared a wholesome moment before the game as they tipped their caps to each other during a practice round.

For the Dodgers, the aim was to somehow get past Sale and put up runs against him. Kike Hernandez eventually broke through in the 4th inning with a 2-run home run before Freeman hit one out in right field.

While speaking with the MLB ON FOX crew, newly turned analyst Justin Verlander asked Freeman about his mentality going up against Sale. The Dodgers star got real and claimed that he was ready to “die” on the pitch to get through him.

You’re really just trying to hope he makes a mistake and you’re on time for it. It’s an extremely hard at-bat for a lefty. I always say, against him, you got to be prepared to die. Really, that’s the mindset.

Freddie Freeman said

Game 4 will now be a battle of Tylers, as Tyler Glasnow of the Dodgers will go against Tyler Mahle of the Braves. A win for the Braves will force Game 5 in Los Angeles.

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