Where are they now? 

Sam Freeman.

Growing up in Texas and playing 2 years at North Central Texas College, the left handed hurler had Big League Dreams since day one. Freeman played for the Woodchucks for one summer in 2007 where he solidified his role as an exceptional relief pitcher. He was drafted in 2007 by the St. Louis Cardinals, but decided to continue his collegiate career by transferring to the University of Kansas. In the following 2008 MLB draft, he was again selected by the Cardinals in the 32nd round and opted to begin his professional career.  

To say that Freeman’s Major League career has been a roller coaster would be an understatement. He made his major league debut on June 1, 2012 and will forever be in the record books because of it. He faced off vs. the NY Mets and their ace, Johan Santana, and Santana pitched a no-hitter that game. Although his first game was a tough welcoming to the league for Freeman, he went on to have two great seasons with the Cardinals to start his MLB career posting ERA’s of 2.19 and 2.61 before getting dealt to the Texas Rangers the following season. From 2014-2016, he bounced around the Rangers and Brewers major and minor league teams.

Freeman finally got the opportunity he needed in 2017 with the Atlanta Braves. Since arriving in Atlanta, he has been a focal point for the Braves relief pitching. After posting an exceptional ERA of 2.55 in 2017, he got off to a hot start in the 2018 season posting a 3.38 ERA and as the season has been going on his ERA is at 5.45. Through the first month of this season, Freeman was called upon more than any other reliever in the MLB. He pitched in 14 out of the first 21 games for the Braves, and allowed only 5 hits during that span. So far in the season he has pitched 39.2 innings and has 30 strikeouts.

The Woodchucks are very happy for Sam and the success that he has had thus far in his MLB career, and we look forward to seeing it grow as the southpaw continues to thrive with the Atlanta Braves.