World Series hero Freddie Freeman may have been born and raised in California, but he shares a dugout with Team Canada for international competitions. The Dodgers’ slugger has provided a heartfelt reason for his decision: it’s the country his late mother called home.

That’s one of the many ways Freeman honours his mother, Rosemary, who he lost at a young age.

“Most people don’t know that, but my mom passed away when I was ten years old of Melanoma skin cancer, and that’s why I play for Team Canada,” the 35-year-old told Dodgers’ media in 2023.

“I don’t know if this is what she would want me to do, but in my heart it’s what I feel I should do,” he added.