Freddie Freeman, the star first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has etched his name in Major League Baseball history with a remarkable achievement. The American-Canadian citizen became the first baseman in the MLB to record 200 hits, 20 home runs, and 20 stolen bases in a single season.
Freeman’s milestone moment occurred during a game against the San Francisco Giants, where he singled to right field in the first inning off pitcher Sean Manaea. As he stood on first base, he was greeted with a chorus of “Freddie! Freddie!” from the appreciative crowd, to which he responded by removing his helmet in acknowledgment.
A record-breaking year for Freddie. pic.twitter.com/ZnLUgdw4HS
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 23, 2023
Reaching the 200-hit mark is a significant accomplishment for any player, and Freeman expressed his satisfaction, saying, “I’ve always had sights set on it. Two hundred means that you’re in there a lot, healthy, playing every day, and had a pretty good year. So, 200 is pretty cool.”
This achievement is a testament to Freeman’s consistency and durability. The 34-year-old had come close to this milestone before, with 199 hits last season and 191 hits in 2018.
Freeman’s unique status as a dual citizen, with his parents hailing from Ontario, Canada, adds an extra layer of significance to his accomplishment. He has also represented Canada in international baseball events, including the World Baseball Classic in 2017 and earlier this year.
One of a kind.
Freddie Freeman is the first 1st baseman in AL/NL history to collect 200 hits, 20 homers, and 20 steals in one season. 👏 pic.twitter.com/ifvECSTMs5
— MLB (@MLB) September 23, 2023
Earlier in the week, Freeman achieved another milestone by becoming the first Dodgers first baseman in history to join the exclusive “20-20 club,” signifying players with at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in a season. Jackie Robinson was the only other first baseman to achieve this feat, with 29 stolen bases in 1947. Freeman boasts impressive statistics with 26 home runs and 21 stolen bases.
In addition to his offensive prowess, Freeman has also contributed defensively, making a remarkable play in the eighth inning of the same game. A ball hit by Wilmer Flores bounced out of his glove, but Freeman’s quick reflexes allowed him to catch it barehanded for a crucial out.
Freeman’s exceptional season has placed him in elite company, as he is now one of only four players in MLB history to post 25 or more homers, 50 or more doubles, and 20 or more stolen bases in a single season. He is also within striking distance of a record, needing four more images to become the first player with 60 or more since Charlie Gehringer (60) and Joe Medwick (64) achieved the feat in 1936.
As Freeman continues to make history on the baseball diamond, his contributions to the Dodgers extend beyond the numbers, making him a cherished asset for the team and a source of pride for American and Canadian baseball fans.
