Freeman playing for Canada at WBC to honour late mom
TAMPA, Fla. — Freddie Freeman was born and raised in Southern California and blossomed into a star with the Atlanta Braves.
Starting this week, he’s proudly playing in the World Baseball Classic. For Canada — and for a special reason.
The all-star first baseman is honouring his mother, Rosemary, who died of skin cancer when he was 10.
“Every day here, it’s about my mom because I’m doing this for her,” Freeman said this week. “My mom never became a U.S. citizen, she was Canadian through in through. It’s pretty special.
“I know she’s watching, I know she has a front row seat. I want to make her proud. I think there’s going to be nerves, there’s going to be anxiety about it, just wanting the game to start.”
Freeman and Canada open the WBC tonight against defending champion Dominican Republic.
The 27-year-old Freeman made his debut with Canada on Tuesday in an exhibition game against the Toronto Blue Jays that Canada won 7-1. He looked skyward following the playing of the Canadian national anthem.
“Hearing the anthem had a little extra meaning to me,” Freeman said.
Freeman can play for Canada because of a WBC rule that allows a player to compete for a country if at least one parent was born in that country.
Freeman’s father, Fred, will be attending tonight. He also was born in Canada.
“It’s going to be a special day, not only for me but it’s something to be able to share with my dad,” Freeman said.
EXTRA INNINGS: Freeman had the day off Wednesday as Canada lost its second and final tuneup game 10-4 to the New York Yankees.