The Los Angeles Dodgers are constantly seeing heroic moments from Freddie Freeman.
With a moment that will spend lifetimes in baseball lore, Freeman’s walk off grand Sam to secure Game 1 of the World Series this past October catapulted him from a respected MVP and veteran to a fabled MLB legend forever.
He once again showed his heroism and impact to baseball fans, but it had nothing to do with on-field play.
Last month, Los Angeles was ravaged by major wildfires in the Pacific Palisades and Pasadena, with others appearing in West Hills, Calabasas, Studio City, and the Hollywood Hills.
Many lost their homes as a result of the devastation, with little time to collect belongings and evacuate.
Freeman and Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout surprised Anthony and Joe, two young sports memorabilia collectors, with an enormous surprise after their family lost everything in the fires.
Freeman also left a personalized message to the family.
“Hey Anthony, I’m really sorry to hear about your memorabilia collection. I hope my jersey can be the start of a new one for you. And we’re really excited to invite you to Opening Day this year.”
Freeman gifted a signed jersey along with another surprise that the young collector and his family would be invited to watch the Dodgers at Opening Day this season.
The video showed that along with Dodgers and Angels collectibles. The Los Angeles Rams and the University of Southern California Trojans added gear for the family, as well.
This was not the first time the Dodgers have helped with wildfire relief, and not the first time that Freeman was personally involved.
Freeman and his wife Chelsea donated $300,000 to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, Pasadena Fire Department, and Salvation Army to the effort. Dodgers utility man Chris Taylor also raised money for the cause by pledging to match all donations up to $5,000, while Shohei Ohtani donated $500,000.
As an organization, the Dodgers Foundation, owner Mark Walter, and the Walter Family Foundation will contribute a combined $100 million toward the rebuilding and recovery effort in Southern California.
As Freeman looks to continue his heroics on the field, he is continuing being a real-life hero off of it.
