GOOD NEWS: Freddie Freeman Voted One of the Top 20 MLB Players of 2024 — Then Surprises the Chicago Cubs With a Powerful Act That’s Winning Hearts Across Baseball
After being named by Fox Sports as one of the Top 20 MLB Players of the 2024 season, superstar Freddie Freeman could have celebrated with champagne or a flashy social media post. Instead, he chose to give back in a way that left fans — and the Chicago Cubs organization — deeply moved.
A Season Worth Celebrating
Although Freeman has long been a cornerstone of excellence in Major League Baseball, his 2024 season was nothing short of spectacular. Batting .313 with 28 home runs, 102 RBIs, and earning his seventh All-Star selection, the veteran first baseman proved that greatness and consistency go hand in hand.
His recognition by Fox Sports was well deserved — but for Freeman, it wasn’t about personal accolades.
“I’ve always believed that what you give off the field is just as important as what you give on it,” Freeman said.
A Gesture No One Expected — Especially From a Non-Cub
Despite not playing for the Cubs, Freddie Freeman has long admired the legacy of Wrigley Field and the passionate fan base in Chicago. So, when he learned that several longtime clubhouse staff and field crew members with the Cubs were facing health and financial struggles, he took it personally.
In a quiet but incredibly touching move, Freeman donated $100,000 to the Cubs’ employee relief and legacy support fund — a program designed to help behind-the-scenes workers and their families with medical bills, emergency costs, and retirement support.
But he didn’t stop there.
Freeman also flew to Chicago on his off day, surprising the staff at Wrigley Field with handwritten notes of appreciation and personalized gifts, including World Series tickets for those who had never attended a playoff game in person.
“These are the people who make baseball happen every single day. They rarely get the spotlight, but they deserve all of it,” Freeman said.
Cubs Respond: “He’s a Dodger, But He’s Family Now”
Cubs manager Craig Counsell praised Freeman’s gesture, saying:
“It takes a special kind of person to look beyond rivalries and uniforms. What Freddie did reminds us all what baseball is truly about — respect, gratitude, and heart.”
Veteran Cubs utility man Nico Hoerner added:
“He didn’t have to do any of that. That’s just who he is. Freddie’s one of the good guys, and we’ll never forget this.”
Fans and League React
Once news of the gesture broke, baseball fans across the country took to social media, with the hashtag #FreddieForever trending within hours.
One fan wrote: “You don’t need to play for the Cubs to be part of the Cubs family. Freddie Freeman just proved that.”
Even players from other teams expressed their admiration, calling Freeman’s act “one of the most selfless things a player has done all season.”
A Final Word From Freddie Freeman
When asked why he chose to support the Cubs organization in this way, Freeman said:
“Baseball is a brotherhood. It’s not just about who we play for — it’s about who we play with, who we play in front of, and the people who help make it possible. I just wanted to say thank you.”
