The Dodgers are heading into a demanding East Coast stretch, and Freddie Freeman sounds more than ready for it.
Los Angeles opens the second half of its season Friday with a three-game series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, then moves on to Philadelphia for three games with the Phillies before finishing the trip with three against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Freeman called it a “two-week East Coast trip” and made it clear he expects the atmosphere to be plenty intense.
“We start with the Yankees, then come back here and go back to New York. So we’ve got a two-week East Coast trip,” Freeman began.
“To come out of the break against really, really good baseball teams is going to be awesome. I know the Northeast can be on the players, and we look forward to it.
“It’s a great atmosphere, great teams. We’ll be back here soon. Can’t wait.”
The trip also sends the Dodgers back to The Bronx for the first time since their clinching Game 5 win in the 2024 World Series, a game Freeman remembers well after delivering a hot bat on the way to World Series MVP honors.
Freeman was also part of Tuesday’s 96th Midsummer Classic, where the American League beat the National League 4-0. He went 0-for-2 with a walk in his 10th career All-Star Game appearance.
Philadelphia was another stop that brought back memories for Freeman. He said he has long enjoyed playing at Citizens Bank Park, dating back to his days with the Atlanta Braves, even if Phillies fans made the experience less than friendly.
“Like I’ve been these last two days, when I first came up with the Braves, this was my favorite place to play,” Freeman said. “I love the Bank. It wasn’t fun to play at because it was (Roy) Halladay, (Cole) Hamels and (Cliff) Lee every time when we were playing against them, but it was packed every night.
“It’s a great place to play, great city, even on the red carpet they were pretty nice. I don’t know if they’re going to be nice when we come back next week, but overall it was a great experience. Family had fun and great city.”
Freeman also helped produce one of the All-Star Game’s most memorable moments. During a break in the action, the game paused to honor the United States’ 250th anniversary and “The Sandlot,” with Ray Charles’ version of “America the Beautiful” playing on the video board at Citizens Bank Park as fireworks went off and children rode bicycles onto the field. Freeman added to the scene by playing catch with one of the kids during the tribute.
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