Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman will make his fourth career All-Star appearance next month in Cleveland. Freeman was elected a starter for the second consecutive year.
Freeman is the third Braves infielder to earn back-to-back fan-elected starts, joining Fred McGriff (1995-96) and Chipper Jones (2000-01). He spoke with the media before the Braves’ series opener against the Mets in New York:
On earning another All-Star nod:
“It’s pretty special. (The fans) have come out and supported us the last couple years, and it’s hard to put into words. It’s a huge honor to go back for the second straight year as a starter. Hopefully I’ll get some hits this time around (he went 0-for-2 last year). And to have it with Ronald (Acuna), his first one, and last year was special with Ozzie (Albies) having his first one too.”
What stands out from your past All-Star games?
“It’s learning how to navigate it. It’s a hectic two days. Last year was a lot of firsts for him, with the home run derby and starting. But now having done about every single thing, I’ll know how to navigate it and can help Ronald. It’s a lot of fun, but it’s a lot of work. There are a lot of things you have to do during those two days. Just remind him to take it all in. You only get your first All-Star game once, and I think Ronald is going to be going there a lot of times.”
Can it be a bit overwhelming the first time you do it?
“My first time it was. I went in 2013 and it was here in New York. Just getting here and doing it for the first time, seeing all the guys you play against and now all of a sudden you’re in the same locker room. You were just competing against some of these guys the day before and trying to beat them, now you’re shaking hands, laughing with them and having a good time. It’s a little overwhelming. My first one I had Mariano Rivera, guys like that, Derek Jeters. So it’s kind of crazy. We’ll see what veteran guys are coming this time. It’s going to be cool.”
On Brian Snitker being part of the National League’s coaching staff:
“It’s special. We were just in there talking about it. He deserves everything he’s getting right now these last couple years. You spend 40-plus years in the game of baseball, and especially with one organization, I’m so happy he’s getting everything he should’ve been getting a long time ago. He’s the head of this team and we run through walls for that guy. Now he gets to experience a division title last year and gets to go to an All-Star game.”
For Ronald, how many guys can you remember who cemented themselves among the elite so quickly?
“I can only remember one, and that’s Mike Trout. I think Mike’s going on seven straight and he’s been doing it since Day 1 he got in this league. For Ronald to go there in his first (full) year and be a starter, that’s very, very hard to do. He’s taken this country by storm and he’s going to be representing the Braves for a long time in All-Star games.”
What was your favorite moment from last year’s event in D.C.?
“I’d have to say, even though it was a lot, the home run derby. Doing that with my dad, with my wife and son in the stands – even though he didn’t know what was going on, but just to have the pictures and stuff like that. That’s the coolest thing. Then running out when you get announced as a starter and running into the lineup. It’s pretty cool. Everything is so awesome at the All-Star game. I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a good time. I can’t wait to see my family again because they’re going to be flying in for it.”
On his campaign for teammate Brian McCann, who could make the team as a reserve:
“His numbers speak for themselves. I really do believe that. He’s hitting .285, .290 with eight (homers) and 30 (RBIs). That’s pretty good when you don’t play as many games as some of these other guys. I think he deserves it. He’s been a huge part of this team and a reason why we’re here in first place, so hopefully he gets on there. I voted for him.”
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