Why is Freddie Freeman playing for Canada? Unpacking Dodgers' star's decision to represent the Maple Leaf

Freddie Freeman is a professional baseball player who currently plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball (MLB). He spent twelve seasons with the Atlanta Braves before joining the Dodgers in 2021. However, in the past, he has represented Canada in international competition. The reason for this lies in Freeman's family heritage.

Freddie Freeman was born and raised in California, USA, but he is eligible to play for the Canadian national team because both his parents, Fredrick and Rosemary Freeman, are from Ontario, Canada. Rosemary was born in Peterborough while Fredrick was from Winsdor. As a result, Freddie holds citizenship in both countries and is also eligible to play for both.

Freeman has always been proud of his Canadian heritage and has spoken publicly about his connection to the country. He first played for Team Canada in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, an international tournament featuring the best baseball players from around the world.

However, Canada had a disappointing run in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, losing all of their first-round games. While Freeman was one of the better players in the tournament, it was one to forget for the nation as a whole.

Freddie Freeman and Team Canado will look to make their mark in the WBC

While his career with the Canadian national team may be unimpressive, Freddie Freeman has had an extremely successful career in the MLB. During his time with the Atlanta Braves, he was named an All-Star six times, won the NL MVP award in 2020 and lifted the World Series in 2021. He signed a six-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to the 2022 season.

However, all his focus is now on the World Baseball Classic. After enduring three losses in the previous edition of the tournament, Freeman will be eager to earn his first win of the tournament. Canada face Great Britain in the opening match of their WBC campaign.