Braves fans were treated to a cathartic moment in Game 6 of the World Series on Tuesday when five-time All-Star and 2020 National League MVP Freddie Freeman delivered a solo home run in the top of the seventh inning to give Atlanta a 7-0 lead.
Freeman's homer not only lengthened the Braves' lead, but it also made the organization's first World Series title since 1995 seem that much closer. That Freeman — drafted by the Braves in 2007 — has spent the entirety of his professional career in Atlanta made it that much better for fans.
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Naturally, Fox broadcaster Joe Buck used the moment to remind everyone of Freeman's pending free-agent status, noting how he homered in what might be his last at-bat in a Braves uniform — much to the chagrin of Atlanta faithful who just wanted to enjoy the moment:
🆓💣!@FreddieFreeman5 | #BattleATL pic.twitter.com/jIApQbaYWd
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 3, 2021
To be sure, Freeman — making his first World Series trip in 2021 — does not want to leave Atlanta. Reports indicate that he and the organization are working on a new contract, but there still is a gap between the two parties that makes free agency a possibility for one of the franchise's most beloved players. He discussed his impending status with media during the World Series.
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"I'm trying to not think about that," Freeman said before Game 3 vs. Houston, a 2-0 Braves win. "Yeah, I did — I was talking to my agent yesterday actually, and it kind of came up that this is three more games here. I haven't envisioned playing anywhere else because I haven't gotten to that point yet."
Apparently, Freeman isn't the only one trying not to think about it. Scores of Braves fans took to Twitter following Buck's comments, criticizing him for ruining what should have been a storybook moment.
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Here is a selection of the best reactions to Buck's call:
SHUT UP JOE BUCK THIS IS NOT HIS LAST AT BAT DON’T BRING US DOWN RIGHT NOW TAKE IT BACK
— Garrett Spain (@BravesMILB) November 3, 2021
Joe Buck when Freddie's HR landed pic.twitter.com/zmedeGFXbZ
— You (@BravesGasm) November 3, 2021
Freddie Freeman just hit a home run in Game 6 of the World Series, and Joe Buck’s immediate reaction is “this could be his last game in a Braves uniform”. We can’t even enjoy the moment @Buck 🖕
— KD ➐ (@notkdk3) November 3, 2021
Joe Buck pic.twitter.com/iIzIhi4vVR
— Mitchell Jolly (@MitchJolly) November 3, 2021
"In what might be his last at-bat for the Atlanta Braves!"
— DoctorBobble (@DoctorBobble) November 3, 2021
You really had to ruin a moment didn't you, Joe?
Buck you.
Joe Buck became public enemy #1 with that comment. https://t.co/JsbDFeaYTw
— Trey Mongrue (@TreyMongrue) November 3, 2021
I hate you Joe Buck. There is NO WAY we don't sign him. We riot.
— Brad Shepard (@Brad_Shepard) November 3, 2021
All of Braves Country when Joe Buck said that at-bat might be Freddie Freeman's last with the Braves pic.twitter.com/YXvmK3S8HZ
— Justin Hubbard (@JHubb93) November 3, 2021