Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Freddie Freeman represented the Los Angeles Dodgers as the starting first baseman for the National League team in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game.
It was the 10th All-Star selection of Freeman’s career and sixth in a row. He’s now been an All-Star in all five seasons with the Dodgers and this year was his third selection as a starter during that span.
As one of the most senior members on the NL’s roster and a reputation that comes with being a future Hall of Famer, the 36-year-old’s word carries a lot of weight in the clubhouse. The long-time veteran shared the message he delivered to his fellow NL All-Stars.
“Gosh, it was more of just appreciating, taking a step back and making sure you realize how special this is. Sometimes you go too fast,” Freeman said. “This is my 17th year, and it feels like yesterday when I first started doing this. My first All-Star Game was 14 years ago. It’s fun. There’s 35 or 36 first-time All-Stars. It’s incredible.
“The game is in a great spot with the young players now. I know it’s going fast these two days. There’s a lot going on. So make sure to take a step back and realize it’s not just you making it, it’s your parents, your friends, everyone who helps you along the way.
“Take a step back and realize how special it is and make sure you enjoy these two days before we get back to work.”
Freeman was one of five Dodgers representatives present in Philadelphia, alongside Andy Pages, Max Muncy, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Justin Wrobleski.
Shohei Ohtani was also selected as an All-Star but did not travel or participate in the Midsummer Classic as he deals with left knee inflammation.
For Wrobleski and Pages, it was the first All-Star Game selections of their young careers. It was a significant accomplishment for both players, especially the 26-year-old pitcher, who was disappointed upon not initially making the roster.
“It’s nice. Wrobleski really took off. I said it during media day, I think he gave up seven or eight runs in D.C. last year and got sent down. For him to come back and do what he did in the playoffs, especially in the World Series, he’s never looked back this year. It’s awesome,” Freeman said.
“Andy Pages, I know it says first-time All-Star, but should be two-time All-Star in my opinion. I think he’s leading in all categories in defense in center field, he’s playing every single day. It’s special. It’s nice to see them get their first one.”
Freeman went 0-for-1 with a walk in his two plate appearances, making him one of only five NL players to reach base in the 2026 Midsummer Classic.
Freddie Freeman enjoyed tribute at All-Star Game
Prior to the start of the fifth inning, Ray Charles’ rendition of “America the Beautiful” played on the video board at Citizens Bank Park as fireworks lit up the sky. While that was happening, a group of children rode bicycles onto the field in what was a clear nod to the legendary movie.
Freeman was one of the players that took part in the interaction and he described the experience after the game.
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