Following a rigorous pregame routine, which included pain management and batting practice, Freeman expressed gratitude to the training staff and confirmed he would repeat the process for Game 2.

This wasn’t Kirk Gibson hobbling to the plate and homering off Dennis Eckersley in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series. But Freeman wound up going 2-for-5 in the Dodgers’ 7-5 victory over the Padres. He even stole a base, stunning his teammates and opponents and gaining even greater respect from them in the process.