Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman received a standing ovation Monday night at Dodger Stadium. The eight-time all star return to the lineup for the first time since July 26 as he was tending to the health of his son, Maximus.
The Dodgers beat the Philadelphia Phillies by a score of 5 to 3, furthering their dominance in the National League West. However, the best part of the game occurred when Freeman stepped up to the plate for the first time in several games. The first baseman was off duty as his son spent eight days in the pediatric ICU, according to Sports Illustrated.
The Dodgers warmed up in “#MaxStrong” t-shirts before the game. When Freeman stepped up to the plate to take his first at-bat of the game in the bottom of the 1st inning, the crowd rose to their feet and gave him an ovation that lasted nearly a minute. The first baseman relished the moment, removing his helmet and waving to the cheering fans in all directions. Opposing players on the Phillies also recognized the special moment.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 05: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers acknowledges applause from fans at the plate as he returns to the lineup after missing games to be with his son and family who was hospitalized during the first inning at Dodger Stadium on August 05, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 05: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers acknowledges applause from fans at the plate as he returns to the lineup after missing games to be with his son and family who was hospitalized during the first inning at Dodger Stadium on August 05, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Freemon’s son, Maximus, underwent tests after waking up with a limp, unable to walk. The three-year-old’s health progressively worsened until he could barely move. He was later put on a ventilator to help him breathe, according to Sports Illustrated.
Freddie Freeman. 👏👏😭 pic.twitter.com/3wXZ4HHJSb
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 6, 2024
Maximus was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a neurological condition where the body’s immune system attacks the nerves, according to Mayo Clinic. (RELATED: Video Shows Bloody Mess On The Baseball Field. MLB Star Responds In Heroic Fashion)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 05: Freddie Freeman (R) #5 of Los Angeles Dodgers hugs Bryce Harper (L) #3 of Philadelphia Phillies after hitting a single in the bottom of the third inning during the regular season game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on August 05, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gene Wang/Getty Images)
Thankfully, Maximus, who has since been discharged from the hospital, is expected to make a full recovery.
“He’s got to re-learn to do pretty much everything,” a tearful Freeman said in the post-game interview.
“It’s a good thing I’m here because it means things are trending better…. No one should have to go through this, especially a 3-year-old. I don’t know how many times Chelsea and I said we wish we could switch.”
Freddie Freeman, understandably emotional, speaks about the… pic.twitter.com/AYBrRdVv2O
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 6, 2024
“I know Dodger fans don’t like this, but I would gladly strike out with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning in Game 7 of the World Series 300 million times in a row than see that again. But he’s on his way. He’s on his way. It’s going to be a long road,” Freeman said, according to Sports Illustrated.
