On Friday night, Freddie Freeman made baseball history. Cooperstown will forever remember his walk-off grand slam in Game 1 of the World Series.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the cleats that went around the bases as Dodger Stadium erupted and the whole city of Los Angeles watched will now be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
In the history of the World Series, Freeman hit the first walk-off grand slam. Furthermore, since Mickey Mantle in 1964, the first baseman’s accomplishment was the first walk-off home run on the first pitch in a World Series.
There were striking similarities between the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 6-3 victory over the New York Yankees and previous World Series victories.
The Dodgers won Game 1 of the Fall Classic in 1988 thanks to a walk-off home run from a limping Kirk Gibson. The Dodgers have since been anticipating the moment that will be remembered by the next generation.
Freeman was up to the task. Freeman, like Gibson, has been battling an ailment. The Dodgers, like Gibson, were behind two runs. Freeman’s walk-off, like Gibson’s, will live forever in history.
In addition, Gibson’s walk-off home run will never be forgotten due to the late Vin Scully’s iconic call. Joe Davis honoured Scully’s appeal by calling for Freeman to walk away.
She has left. Freddie, meet you, Gibby!
The call was heard on both sides and will continue to be heard for a very long time.
The similarities didn’t stop there. The Dodgers paid tribute to Fernando Valenzuela, who had died three days prior, before Game 1 at Chavez Ravine.
During the ceremonial first pitch, former teammates Orel Hershiser and Steve Yeager paid tribute to the legendary pitcher. Yeager, Hershiser, and Valenzuela were all part of the Dodgers’ 1981 Fall Classic victory over the Yankees.
Rather than tossing out the first pitch, Hershiser and Yeager put the ball on Valenzuela’s No. 34 painted on the mound while sporting his jersey.
The home crowd started to yell after Freeman left.
“Fred-die.”
Freddie was one of Valenzuela’s nicknames in the Dodgers clubhouse, according to Hershiser, who clarified after the game why it seemed more appropriate for Freeman to save the Dodgers on Friday night.
Freeman will always be remembered, just like Valenzuela.
