Freddie Freeman returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday afternoon, following a harrowing two-week period during which his 3-year-old son, Maximus, battled a rare neurological disorder. As Freeman entered the clubhouse, he was greeted by Dodger Blue T-shirts adorning every locker, featuring his name and number on the back and the phrase “#MaxStrong” emblazoned on the front.
Moments later, the entire Dodgers team and coaching staff wore them during pregame workouts in a show of solidarity with their star first baseman and his youngest child. “That’s the first time I cried today,” Freeman said, his voice choked with emotion. “It means a lot.”
Freeman’s emotions surfaced again during a 30-minute session with reporters, where he recounted the pain of seeing his son suffer. Max was diagnosed with Guillain-Barrรฉ syndrome, a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves, causing weakness, numbness, and, in Max’s case, paralysis. Max awoke on July 22 with a slight limp, which progressed to full paralysis within four days, prompting Freeman to rush home from a series against the Houston Astros. By Wednesday, doctors had removed Max from his ventilator.
Just five days later, Freeman was back in the Dodgers’ lineup for the start of a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies, playing first base and batting third. He went 1-for-4 in the Dodgers’ 5-3 win and received a long-standing ovation before his first at-bat, with the Phillies joining in from their dugout.
The pitch clock was stopped as Freeman stepped out of the batter’s box, removed his helmet, and waved to the crowd, touching his right hand to his chest. “I was doing OK tipping my hat, but then I saw my dad in the front row with my stepmom, choked up and teary-eyed,” Freeman recalled. “That’s what really got me.”
Max spent eight days in a pediatric intensive care unit before being discharged on Saturday. The following day, he began physical therapy. Max’s personality has returned, Freeman noted, but he still has to relearn many basic functions. Most importantly, Max is expected to make a full recovery. “He didn’t deserve this,” Freeman said. “No one does. Seeing all those filled rooms in the pediatric ICU, it’s heartbreaking. We’re one of the lucky ones. Max is on his way to a full recovery, but many kids are fighting for their lives. It puts everything in perspective.”
Freeman expressed profound relief and gratitude on Monday. He also acknowledged the support from the baseball community, including Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy and his players, who sent a supportive video, and the Dodgers, who told him to take as much time as needed. Most notably, Freeman thanked the doctors and nurses at Children’s Hospital of Orange County. “I’m here nine days later, and it feels like a miracle,” Freeman said. “I can’t thank them enough.”
The exact cause of Guillain-Barrรฉ syndrome is unknown, and there is no known cure. While most patients make a full recovery, some severe cases can be fatal. Early detection is critical due to the syndrome’s rapid progression. Max can now sit up on his own, which doctors see as a good baseline for recovery.
His hands remain curled, and he needs to relearn how to walk, but Freeman is confident in his son’s full recovery. After Monday’s game, Chelsea texted Freeman a picture of Max doing tummy time and smiling. “He seemed happy about it,” Freeman said. “That was surprising to us.”
During the intense days in Houston, Freeman didn’t watch any of the Dodgers’ games, focusing solely on his son and hoping for any sign of improvement. He began swinging a bat again on Tuesday morning, mostly to loosen up after sleeping on a hospital couch for several nights. By Thursday, he was hitting off a tee again. The next day, Freeman discussed his return with Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. His return on Monday led to the Dodgers designating infielder Cavan Biggio for assignment.
Freeman admitted he’s uncertain how he will handle playing, but his son’s progress provides comfort. “I’m here because things are better at home,” Freeman said. “He is on his way to recovery. He’s at home, happy. I asked, ‘Are you excited to watch Daddy on TV tonight?’ He said, ‘Yes.'”
Freeman struck out in his first at-bat, calling it “one of the most pleasant strikeouts I’ve ever had in my big league career.” In the third inning, he lined a base hit to right field, prompting a “Freddie!” chant from the crowd of 48,178 people, reminiscent of the early 2021 season when he was still emotional about not re-signing with the Atlanta Braves. Upon reaching first base, Freeman hugged Phillies star Bryce Harper, who had texted him multiple times during Max’s ordeal, checking in.
“I’m just very thankful for the baseball community, lifting up Max in prayer, love, and support,” Freeman said. “It’s going to be a long journey for him, but it’s a beautiful thing that he’s on the path to recovery.”
