95TH MLB ALL-STAR GAME

July 15, 2025

Shohei Ohtani

Freddie Freeman

Truist Park

National League

Press Conference

Q. (In Japanese).

SHOHEI OHTANI: It was a special All-Star in the sense that Kershaw pitched today, and obviously Freddie returning to Atlanta. So in a sense, it was a special occasion for me.

Q. Freddie, just that moment with the crowd, what was it like? Describe it.

FREDDIE FREEMAN: I didn't know how it was going to go today. A lot of emotions. They came up to me before team picture and said I was going to have to talk all over the stadium. So kind of cool.

And then, obviously, I had no idea Doc was going to pull me off the field. So I really do appreciate the moments, the 12 years I've spent here were obviously a wonderful time for me. So to be able to have that moment with the fans was awesome.

Q. (In Japanese).

SHOHEI OHTANI: I hit the ball in my second at-bat so I pretty much felt confident that it was going to be a foul.

Q. Freddie, the fact that you were kind of able to keep it together, and there was some question about whether you might cry and stuff, the fact that you were kind of able to keep it together, I know yesterday we talked a little bit about kind of the time. Does this maybe speak a little bit to the fact that you are, like, a Dodger now, and that is kind of --

FREDDIE FREEMAN: I think just time heals everything. It's been four years. Been a wonderful four years with the Dodgers. Got to bring a championship home.

Yeah, I'm an emotional guy. Things happen. So whatever, like I say, whatever I feel comes out. But obviously held it together this time around. But it's just -- you spend 12 years with Atlanta, pour your heart into it and I've poured my heart into four years with the Dodgers. Hopefully have many more to go. It's been a great four years, and I'm glad I held it together this time.

Q. When you were addressing the crowd, did you get that --

FREDDIE FREEMAN: Do you want me to say I cried?

(Laughter.)

I don't know what you want me to say. I feel like there was no tears coming down this time, so I did all right.

Q. (In Japanese).

SHOHEI OHTANI: I had the opportunity to meet new faces and guys that I never really got to meet in person. So it was enlightening to be able to see the person now face-to-face.

Q. I wanted to ask both of you, it's very crucial to spend the next two days off. How do you plan to spend it?

FREDDIE FREEMAN: I'm going to the ESPYS tomorrow. I'll be in L.A.

SHOHEI OHTANI: I'll be at home relaxing.

FREDDIE FREEMAN: You're lucky.

Q. (In Japanese).

SHOHEI OHTANI: My intention in my first at-bat was to hit a homer or strike out. So I was able to kind of squeak a hit there. So yeah.

Q. Freddie, since you have this rep as a guy who might emote on occasion, do you almost feel like folks are trying to make you do it to some extent with regard to, like, the on-field interview, the mid-game removal? Is it like, let's test this guy?

FREDDIE FREEMAN: I don't think so. I guess it's on you guys. If you guys want to test me, I'm okay with crying. That's how I am. I didn't do it today.