Freddie Freeman the Braves’ ‘Iron Man’

Freddie Freeman has played in 42 games this season. The Braves have played in 42 games this season. He is the only Atlanta player who can claim that and one of the few Major Leaguers who have yet to miss a game.

The all-star first baseman is hitting .314 with eight home runs and 27 RBI. He has a 2:3 walk to strikeout ratio with 18 walks and 27 strikeouts. The best number of all could be his OPS (on-base plus slugging), which sits at .927. Freeman has a team-leading 11 doubles and is tied for second in home runs with catcher Evan Gattis. Only Justin Upton has more with ten home runs so far.

Freeman also leads the Braves in RBI and runs scored, but his defense is what sets him apart as well. He has a .992 fielding percentage so far including 29 assists, 329 putouts, 31 double plays, and only three errors. Freeman has one of the best stretches at first base when he needs to go out and pick a ball or needs to reach dunking height to snag a high throw. He usually comes away with the out.

The past week has been especially productive for the Braves’ first baseman. He batted a team-leading .400 following eight hits and seven RBI including two home runs. Freddie Freeman may not have won the MVP award last season, but it will be hard to keep his name off of the trophy this year at the pace he is going. The Braves would certainly be in a whole different situation without his production and everyday value at the ballpark.

The last time an Atlanta Brave played in all 162 games in a season was Jeff Francoeur back in 2007.  Braves’ legend and should-be Hall of Famer Dale Murphy played in all 162 for four straight years from 1982-1985.