Freeman’s Moment of Inspiration
Freddie Freeman first found humor in a meme, which later sparked a breakthrough regarding his struggling swing. After a tough day during the Dodgers’ homestand, when he was hit by a pitch, Freeman received a light-hearted video edit on Instagram from a friend, just what he needed after a stressful afternoon.
Comedic Relief and Insight
The video humorously edited Freeman’s game-winning grand slam from last year’s World Series over a viral Coldplay kiss cam clip. Watching it provided a good laugh, but upon rewatching his grand slam, Freeman realized he needed to adjust his batting stance to incorporate more of his legs.
Realizing the Key Adjustment
“I’m more in my front ankle,” Freeman noted regarding his stance during the celebrated at-bat. This revelation reminded him to engage his legs more and avoid leaning back while batting, contrasting his recent slump.
Immediate Action Taken
After reflecting on this adjustment throughout the night, Freeman dedicated the following day to practicing in the Dodgers’ batting cages, focusing on an aligned swing. “It’s just more about leaning into my front ankle,” he explained, recognizing that this change helped him connect better with the ball.
Positive Changes in Performance
Since implementing this tweak, Freeman has shown significant improvement, hitting .359 over his last ten games with two home runs and ten RBIs. He continued this trend with standout performances including a three-hit game and a home run against the Reds.
Continued Progress and Confidence
Manager Dave Roberts noted Freeman’s adjustment allowed him to start hitting earlier in counts instead of being late. Recently, Freeman shared that he’s now simply focusing on his swing without overthinking, expressing optimism about his trajectory.
Team Expectations Amidst Changes
Freeman’s resurgence is vital for the Dodgers, who hope for similar improvements from other underperforming players as the regular season progresses. Despite being in a slump for much of the summer, Freeman believes the team still possesses the talent required for success.
