Los Angeles Dodgers star first baseman Freddie Freeman was away from the team for a handful of days as his daughter was born.
Freeman rejoined the team on Tuesday for the team’s first game of their National League West series against the San Francisco Giants.
The first baseman joined the paternity list while he was gone, allowing outfielder Ryan Ward to join the team for his MLB debut.
However, Freeman is now ready to play, and as a result, Ward was sent back down to the minor leagues.
Freeman and his wife, Chelsea, welcomed London Rosemary Joy Freeman into the world, their first daughter after having three boys — Charlie, Brandon, and Maximus.
The name of their baby girl has deep meaning, as Freeman explained upon his return to the Dodgers’ clubhouse.
“So, London is her first name. My in-laws are from England, born and raised there. She’s [Chelsea Freeman] always loved the name London,” Freeman said.
“So ever since I’ve known Chelsea, it felt as if we were going to have a girl, the girl’s name was going to be London.
“And she has two middle names, Rosemary Joy. My mom’s name was Rosemary Joy Freeman. So our daughter’s name is London Rosemary Joy Freeman, after my mom.”
Freeman, after adding a girl to their family, has closed the door on them having any more kids for the foreseeable future.
“This is it. We are happily done with four. She is the perfect addition and the end to it,” Freeman said.
Now, at 36, Freeman has made it clear that he wants to play until he is 40, which would mean another four seasons.
He does have his family now set, and with his baby girl entering his life, the seasoned veteran will certainly look to close out his playing career on a high note, transition into a full-time father, and be around his children during the transformative years.
Before then, Freeman will want to reach the 3,000 hit mark, an exclusive club that is reserved for the best contact hitters and history and company that Freeman could reasonably enter if he stayed healthy.
