Freddie Freeman proudly embraces his Canadian heritage, readily donning the Maple Leaf for international competition. But a recent playful appearance alongside Ryan Reynolds for a beloved Toronto charity raised a curious question: was the timing a little too pointed, given his current team?
Reynolds, a Canadian actor known for his charitable work, created a hilarious holiday video featuring Freeman and a group of young patients from Toronto’s SickKids hospital. These weren’t just any kids; they were patient ambassadors, eager to participate in the annual fundraising effort.
The video depicts Freeman entering a hospital room only to be met with a chorus of good-natured ribbing from the children. The playful jabs were perfectly delivered, a testament to their spirit and the lighthearted nature of the event.
“What a loser,” one child declared with a grin. Another, upon Freeman’s introduction, quipped, “Trust me man, we know who you are.” The playful teasing culminated in a particularly memorable line: “Go back to your sunshine and traffic, you hoser.”
Despite the playful antagonism, the atmosphere was overwhelmingly positive. The families of the young patients raved about Freeman’s generosity and how he made the children feel special, even while playfully representing a rival team.
Freeman’s connection to Canada runs deep. Born in the U.S. to Canadian parents, he’s long been a favorite among Canadian baseball fans. He’s twice represented Canada in the World Baseball Classic, and is expected to do so again, embracing his dual citizenship with pride.
He’s acknowledged the potential for a shift in fan sentiment, particularly after his Dodgers team defeated the Blue Jays in a heartbreaking World Series. Yet, his ties to Toronto remain profoundly personal.
Toronto holds a special place in Freeman’s heart, a connection strengthened by cherished memories of his mother, who passed away when he was young. He speaks of receiving unexpected gifts – old family photos – during visits, a tangible link to his roots.
Reynolds’ commitment to SickKids fundraising is well-established, and Freeman was a natural fit for this year’s campaign. The video, now in its seventh year, aims to inspire donations and bring joy to the young patients.
The latest installment involved flying a group of SickKids ambassadors and a nurse to Los Angeles to film with Freeman and Reynolds’ production company. The result is a video that’s sure to resonate with sports fans, even those still smarting from the World Series outcome.
Freeman, ever the good sport, attempted to win over his young hecklers, prompting a spirited “Let’s Go Blue Jays” chant and one final, cheeky question: “Do you even lift, ‘bro?” It was a perfect ending to a heartwarming and hilarious collaboration.
Ultimately, the video showcases Freddie Freeman not just as a World Series champion, but as a genuinely kind and gracious individual willing to embrace a little playful ribbing for a truly worthy cause.
