Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Freddie Freeman checked off another milestone on Tuesday as he recorded his 2,500th career hit in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 12-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Freeman became the 102nd player in MLB history to reach the threshold after lining an RBI single to center field off Brandan Bidois as part of the Dodgers’ 10-run seventh inning.
“It does mean a lot,” Freeman said on SportsNet LA. “Obviously when your manager and teammates appreciate what you’ve done over the course of your career, it does mean a lot.
“Yeah, there’s always another goal to get to. But to step back and realize how long you have to play, the consistency over the course of that, to play at a high level for many, many years to get there, it does mean a lot.
“I just try to play this game the right way and best to my abilities every single day. To reach some of these cool milestones you get late in your career, definitely means something.”
The Dodgers had a toast for Freeman in the clubhouse after the game, with manager Dave Roberts and several of his teammates encouraging him to go for 3,000 hits.
“Doc said, ‘You better get 500 more.’ Hopefully we’ll start that tomorrow,” Freeman said with a laugh.
The 36-year-old has a chance to become only the 34th player in MLB history to reach 3,000 hits. He previously stated that his goal is to play four more seasons and retire at the age of 40.
However, Freeman has also indicated that he could retire sooner to spend more time with his family. But if he sticks to his original plan of playing three more seasons, it would require the Dodgers signing Freeman to a two-year contract extension as his current deal only runs through 2027. Of course, Freeman could also join another franchise.
Freeman has 69 hits in 64 games this year and is on pace to finish with 175. Assuming he reaches that number, Freeman would need to average roughly 132 hits over the next three seasons to join the 3,000 club.
Mookie Betts and Dave Roberts praise Freddie Freeman
Mookie Betts believes Freeman reaching 2,500 career hits is a testament to his longevity and consistency.
“It’s awesome,” Betts said. “He’s the first person I’ve seen accomplish something like that. He’s been around for a while and he’s been really good for a while. I think these things are coming up because of that. He’s been so good for so long.”
Roberts echoed a similar sentiment and felt it was important to celebrate Freeman’s milestone.
“I think for us, we go through the grind every day, so you have to celebrate certain moments,” Roberts said. “That’s a big moment for him. It just speaks to the longevity and consistency from Freddie. It deserved a time and moment for him.”
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