ATLANTA — A four-hour celebratory parade began in downtown Atlanta and concluded at Truist Park, where Braves fans gathered on Friday to celebrate a World Series title and cheer pleas to re-sign Freddie Freeman.
“I only have a few things to say,” Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson said. “First of all, this trophy, this is ours, everybody. And the other thing, it might get me in trouble, but re-sign Freddie.”
As the crowd roared in approval, television cameras caught Braves manager Brian Snitker and Freeman both laughing. Travis d’Arnaud and Ozzie Albies were among the other players who made a plea to “re-sign Freddie” when they were given the microphone.
Freeman will face the reality of being a free agent when other teams begin contacting him on Monday. But for now, he is savoring being a World Series champion, a reality that hit him as he paraded through Atlanta.
“I’ve been asked a lot over the last few days, has it hit me yet?” Freeman said. “I kept saying, ‘No, I’m just numb.’ But today, it’s hit me. We’re world champions forever.”
It was a feel-good story for all involved, including Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos, who made the season-altering Trade Deadline moves that led to this title. Unfortunately, Anthopoulos tested positive for COVID-19 last week and was unable to be in Houston when the Braves ended the World Series on Tuesday.
But Anthopoulos, who has not shown symptoms, enjoyed the parade and then continued to quarantine with his wife and kids from his private suite once the party reached Truist Park.
“That parade was the most incredible thing we’ve ever experienced,” Anthopoulos said. “We’re going to be world champions, every single one of us in this stadium, for the rest of our lives.”
The parade fittingly began at the spot where Hank Aaron’s 715th home run landed at the since-demolished Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. Throughout the postseason, the Braves felt like they were being guided by Aaron and Phil Niekro, a pair of Hall of Famers who passed away this past winter.
Along with having Aaron’s No. 44 painted in center field at Truist Park throughout the season, the Braves won 44 games before the All-Star break and 44 games after the All-Star break. The World Series was won during the 44th week of the season and the Braves and Astros would have combined for 44 runs in the Fall Classic had Freeman not hit a solo homer in the seventh inning of Tuesday’s decisive Game 6.
“I think Hank looked down and said, ‘You know what? I think Freddie needs one more,’” emcee and longtime Braves broadcaster Joe Simpson said. “Anybody who doesn’t think Hank Aaron wasn’t shining down on this team, you’re sadly mistaken.”
There was certainly plenty of entertainment as Guillermo Heredia swung his sword and Joc Pederson colorfully energized the crowd in a manner that will likely increase the sale of pearl necklaces throughout Atlanta. But there were also emotional moments, like when Aaron’s widow, Billye Aaron, spoke.
“The chickens have come home to roost this time,” Aaron said. “The spirit of Hank Aaron pervades this space. He is here with us. He loves the Atlanta Braves and I am so very, very happy to see these young men who have picked up the mantle and who have carried it on.”