In an interview with The California Post, Freeman delivered an emotional tribute: “You always hear, ‘Don’t meet your heroes,’ But then I got to meet him, and I was like, ‘I’m glad I did.’ Because he was a beautiful man. And I wish he was still here. He meant a lot to so many people … I’m at a loss for words really.”
Freeman noted that Anderson’s left-handed approach and ability to spray balls to the opposite field helped spark his own love for the game. The Dodgers first baseman explained that watching Anderson operate at the plate resonated with him as a young fan and future major leaguer.
The memory runs deeper for Freeman, who recalled his father teaching him to hit to left field. Seeing a big-league star like Anderson demonstrate those same skills reinforced the lessons and drew Freeman toward Angels games he attended with his dad, alongside admiration for Darin Erstad’s defense.
The connection between Freeman and Anderson grew after their meeting at Braves spring training in 2009, when Freeman was still a lanky teenager. Freeman admitted he was starstruck, and he kept the truth about his idol status private for years, until 2019.
Family ties also bound the two in more recent years, with Freeman’s uncle working at the same high school as Anderson’s children, leading to occasional golf outings and shared moments off the field.
Anderson compiled 2,529 big league hits and won a World Series title in 2002 with the Angels. He leaves a lasting legacy for Freeman and many others who were inspired by his approach to the game. RIP.
