Dodgers manager says Freddie Freeman took walk to Mookie Betts personally

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) runs the bases after hitting a grand slam in the 10th inning against the New York Yankees during game one of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.
Sage Osentoski-Imagn Images

With two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning during Game 1 of the World Series on Friday, the New York Yankees opted to load the bases by walking Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts. That sent first baseman Freddie Freeman to the plate, and he carried with him a chip on the shoulder.

Freeman was put off by the Yankees’ decision to pass on Betts only to pitch to him. And he promptly made them pay, sending the first pitch over the wall for a walk-off grand slam.

Dave Roberts thinks that Freddie Freeman took the Yankees intentionally walking Mookie Betts personally:

“They should take it personal. They’re competitors and that’s the way it should be.” pic.twitter.com/GEwiuvKeS0

— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) October 26, 2024

“I think he did and I think he should,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said when asked if Freeman took it personally. “It’s a decision that Aaron (Boone) felt good about, but any player… You know, I’ve walked guys and it’s worked out (and) I’ve walked them and it doesn’t work out. They should take it personal. They’re competitors, and that’s how it should be.”

In the locker room after the game, Freeman stopped short of saying he felt disrespected, instead marveling in a moment that baseball players dream of as children.

“That’s stuff, you’re 5 years old in the backyard right there,” Freeman said, via ESPN/The Associated Press. “That’s a dream come true, but it’s only one. We’ve got three more.”

Should the situation arise again later in the series, you can bet the Yankees and Boone will think twice about walking anyone to bring Freeman to the plate, injured or not.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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