ATLANTA, Georgia – When Freddie Freeman walked off the dugout of the 2025 All-Star Game at Truist Park, the applause was thunderous… but it was also accompanied by head shakes, wistful glances – and a few stray whistles.
Freeman, once an eternal icon of the Atlanta Braves, now dons the blue and white of the Los Angeles Dodgers – and the moment split the hearts of millions of fans.
For many Braves fans, the name Freddie Freeman is more than just a player — he’s the team’s spiritual captain, the MVP, the man who brought the 2021 World Series trophy back to the city after a 26-year wait. He once said he would finish his career here. But then in the winter of 2022, in a shocking shock, Freeman left Atlanta to sign a blockbuster contract with the Dodgers.
“He left without a real goodbye. That’s something I can’t forgive,” one Braves fan commented on social media X.
“Freddie was a Braves forever. But now, I don’t know how to look at him anymore,” another tearfully shared at the stadium.
The All-Star Game in Atlanta was a “golden” opportunity for Freeman to receive love from the place that used to be home. And he received it – but not completely. When he stepped onto the field, some of the audience stood up and applauded. Others turned away.
Freeman, smiling awkwardly, touched his heart when his name was announced. But his eyes said what words couldn’t convey: this is no longer a familiar home.
“I don’t blame them. I understand. But I will always love Atlanta,” Freeman told the press after the game.
In his three years with the Dodgers, Freddie Freeman didn’t just maintain his form — he exploded. 2024 MVP, two-time All-Star, a World Series champion. Dodgers fans saw him as the heart of the team, “the legendary Brave in the form of a great Dodger.”
“We don’t care what Atlanta thinks. To us, Freddie is the symbol of victory.” — Dodgers fan holding a “Forever Blue” banner in the middle of Braves’ stadium.
The Braves replaced Freeman with Matt Olson, who also played well. But the name “Freddie” still burns deep within the organization. Many believe that the team’s management failed to keep him, leading to an unfinished farewell that continues to this day.
Freddie Freeman has moved on. He has a title, he has success, he has a new love with a new team. But in Atlanta, where it all began, his feelings for him are still unfinished. Some want to forget him, some want to forgive him, and some just want him back… even though they know that’s no longer possible.
Freddie is back. But “home” – perhaps – is no longer home.
“I’ll always be grateful. But I’ve made peace. My heart is in L.A. now.” — Freddie Freeman, after the 2025 All-Star Game.