History of Freddie Freeman in Timeline

Freddie Freeman is a professional baseball first baseman currently playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He debuted in MLB in 2010 with the Atlanta Braves, where he played for 12 seasons and won the 2021 World Series. Following the World Series win, Freeman became a free agent and signed a six-year, $162 million contract with the Dodgers.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1954: Braves Rookies in Top Five

In 1954, Gene Conley was voted third-best rookie of the season and Hank Aaron came in fourth. That was the only other time two Braves finished in the top five.

1954: Braves Rookie Reaches 50 RBIs

In 1954, Hank Aaron reached 50 RBIs by July 18. Freeman was the first Braves rookie to reach 50 RBIs by July 18 since Hank Aaron accomplished this feat in 1954.

September 12, 1989: Frederick Charles Freeman Born

On September 12, 1989, Frederick Charles Freeman was born. He would later become a professional baseball first baseman.

1989: Teammates Finishing First and Second

In 1989, the Chicago Cubs' Jerome Walton and Dwight Smith came in first and second. Kimbrel and Freeman were the first teammates to finish first and second since 1989.

1999: Braves Player Wins NL MVP Award

In 1999, Chipper Jones won the National League MVP Award. Freeman won in 2020 and became the first Braves player to win the award since Chipper Jones in 1999.

2005: Hank Aaron Award

In 2005, Andruw Jones won the Hank Aaron Award. Freeman won the 2020 NL Hank Aaron Award and became the second player in franchise history to win the award, following Andruw Jones in 2005.

2007: Drafted and Professional Debut

In 2007, Freeman was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the second round of the MLB draft. He signed with the team and made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast Braves.

2007: Player of the Year and College Commitment

In 2007, as a senior at El Modena High School, Freeman was named the Orange County Register's player of the year due to his outstanding performance. He also signed a letter of intent with California State University, Fullerton to play baseball.

2008: Plays for Rome Braves

In 2008, Freeman played for the Rome Braves of the Class A South Atlantic League, continuing his development in the Braves' minor league system.

August 2009: Wrist Injury

In August 2009, Freeman suffered a wrist injury while playing, impacting his season and development.

2009: Ranked as Braves' Fifth-Best Prospect

In 2009, before the season began, Freeman was recognized as the Braves' fifth-best prospect by Baseball America, highlighting his potential for future success.

September 1, 2010: Called Up to the Braves

On September 1, 2010, Freeman was called up to the Atlanta Braves, marking a significant step in his professional baseball career.

September 5, 2010: First Career MLB Hit

On September 5, 2010, Freeman recorded his first career Major League Baseball (MLB) hit off Florida Marlins pitcher Clay Hensley, marking a milestone in his career.

September 21, 2010: First MLB Home Run

On September 21, 2010, Freeman hit his first Major League Baseball (MLB) home run off Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay, achieving a significant milestone in his career.

2010: MLB Debut with Atlanta Braves

In 2010, Freeman made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Atlanta Braves, marking the beginning of his professional career.

2010: Joins Gwinnett Braves

In 2010, Freeman started the season with the Gwinnett Braves of the Class AAA International League, marking his continued progression through the minor league system.

July 4, 2011: First Multi-Home Run Game

On July 4, 2011, Freeman hit two home runs against the Colorado Rockies, marking his first multi-home run game in his Major League Baseball (MLB) career.

2011: Successful First Full Season

In 2011, Freeman finished the year with a .282 batting average, 32 doubles, 21 home runs, and 76 RBI in 157 games, establishing himself as a key player for the Braves.

2012: NL-Leading Sacrifice Flies

In 2012, Freeman led the National League (NL) with nine sacrifice flies. He also batted .259 with 33 doubles, 23 home runs, and 94 RBI in 147 games played.

2012: Vision Problems

In 2012, Freeman started experiencing vision problems. In October 2017, he underwent LASIK surgery to correct these issues.

2013: All-Star Finalist and MVP Voting

In 2013, Freeman was selected as a finalist for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game Final Vote and won with a record-setting total of 19.7 million fan votes. He finished fifth in the National League Most Valuable Player award voting.

February 4, 2014: Contract Extension

On February 4, 2014, Freeman agreed to an eight-year, $135 million contract extension with the Atlanta Braves, securing his future with the team.

June 27, 2014: Home Run Caught by Broadcaster

On June 27, 2014, during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Freeman hit a three-run homer off Kyle Kendrick that was caught by broadcaster Tom McCarthy.

2014: Coppolella becomes GM

In 2014, John Coppolella became responsible for the team's transactions in the off-season, and played a large role in the Braves' rebuild, trading away many players.

June 17, 2015: Day-to-Day with Wrist Injury

On June 17, 2015, Freeman was listed as day-to-day due to a right wrist injury initially sustained on June 13, impacting his playing status.

2015: Coppolella becomes GM

In 2015, John Coppolella became responsible for the team's transactions in the off-season, and played a large role in the Braves' rebuild, trading away many players.

January 2016: Braves announce "Chipper Rescues Freddie" bobblehead night

In January 2016, the Atlanta Braves announced a "Chipper Rescues Freddie" bobblehead night for the following season. This was used as a promotional night for the franchise.

2016: First Career Cycle and Player of the Month

In 2016, Freeman hit his first career cycle in a game against the Cincinnati Reds. He was later named National League Player of the Month for September.

June 2017: Offers to Play Third Base

In June 2017, while rehabilitating from a hand injury, Freeman offered to play third base upon his return, due to Matt Adams' strong performance at first base.

October 2017: Undergoes LASIK Surgery

In October 2017, Freeman underwent LASIK surgery to correct vision problems that had been developing since 2012.

2018: All-Star Game and Home Run Derby

In 2018, Freeman was selected to his third All-Star game as the National League's starting first baseman. He also participated in the Home Run Derby.

2018: Gold Glove Award

In 2018, Freeman won a Gold Glove Award, recognizing his defensive skills at first base.

2018: Gold Glove and Defensive Player of the Year Awards

In 2018, Freeman won the Gold Glove Award for first base and the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award. He also finished fourth in the National League MVP voting.

2019: All-Star Selection

In 2019, Freeman was selected as the National League starter at first base for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, marking his fourth All-Star Game selection overall.

2019: Silver Slugger Award

In 2019, Freeman won a Silver Slugger Award, highlighting his offensive performance as a hitter.

2019: Silver Slugger and Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Awards

In 2019, Freeman won the National League Silver Slugger Award for first base and the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award for the second consecutive season. He batted .295 with 38 home runs and 121 RBIs.

July 2020: Tests Positive for COVID-19

In July 2020, Freeman tested positive for COVID-19, experiencing symptoms such as loss of smell and a high fever.

2020: National League MVP Award

In 2020, Freeman was named the National League's Most Valuable Player, recognizing his overall contribution to the team and league.

2020: Silver Slugger Award and NL MVP

In 2020, Freeman won a Silver Slugger Award and was named the National League (NL) MVP, becoming the first Braves player to win the award since Chipper Jones in 1999. Freeman was also voted the Baseball Digest MLB Player of the Year, Baseball America Player of the Year, MLBPA Player's Choice Player of the Year, and MLBPA Player's Choice NL Outstanding Player.

2021: Silver Slugger Award

In 2021, Freeman won a Silver Slugger Award, highlighting his offensive performance as a hitter.

2021: Braves Win World Series and Freeman Enters Free Agency

In 2021, the Atlanta Braves won the World Series. After the victory, Freeman entered free agency, seeking a new contract.

March 18, 2022: Freeman signs with the Dodgers

On March 18, 2022, Freddie Freeman signed a six-year, $162 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, opting to return home to Southern California after other teams pursued him during the offseason.

April 8, 2022: Freeman makes Dodgers debut

On April 8, 2022, Freddie Freeman made his debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers, batting second in the lineup and going 1-3 with a walk against the Colorado Rockies.

May 18, 2023: Freeman hits 300th career home run

On May 18, 2023, Freddie Freeman hit his 300th career home run, a grand slam off of Génesis Cabrera of the St. Louis Cardinals.

May 20, 2024: Freeman hits sixth career grand slam

On May 20, 2024, Freddie Freeman hit his sixth career grand slam against pitcher Slade Cecconi of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2024: World Series MVP

In 2024, Freeman won World Series MVP after setting a record for consecutive World Series games with a home run, including the first walk-off grand slam in World Series history.