Dodgers' Freeman laughs off being tagged out by Marte with hug

Dodgers slugger Freddie Freeman got his first hit of the season, but his time on the basepaths ended in an unexpected way.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:33am

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In a lighthearted moment during Saturday night's game, Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman was tagged out by Arizona's Ketel Marte with a friendly hug after Freeman had nowhere to run on the basepaths. Freeman, known for his emotional and affectionate on-field demeanor, embraced the unusual situation and laughed it off.

Why it matters

The playful interaction between Freeman and Marte provided a fun, lighthearted moment in what is often an intense and competitive sport. Freeman's willingness to engage with an opposing player in such a casual way speaks to his approachable personality and the camaraderie that can sometimes develop between players, even during the heat of a game.

The details

After getting his first hit of the season, Freeman was caught in a rundown between first and second base. Marte, the Arizona second baseman, fielded the ball and blocked Freeman's path, putting his arms out in a gesture of invitation. Rather than try to evade the tag, Freeman simply walked toward Marte, who then tagged him out with a hug to end the inning. Freeman, known for wearing his emotions on his sleeve, embraced the unusual situation and later said he didn't think he'd ever be part of a hug on a baseball field.

  • The incident occurred in the second inning of Saturday night's game between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks.

The players

Freddie Freeman

The Dodgers' first baseman, known for his emotional and affectionate on-field demeanor.

Ketel Marte

The Arizona Diamondbacks' second baseman who tagged out Freeman with a hug.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't think I'd ever be a part of a hug out on a baseball field.”

— Freddie Freeman, Dodgers first baseman

“I stopped and I was like, is there any way around this? If I go out of the baseline, I'm out. If I run back, he'll just run to second. He gave me a little, 'Come here,' and I was like, 'All right, let's just do it.'”

— Freddie Freeman, Dodgers first baseman

The takeaway

The lighthearted interaction between Freeman and Marte showcased the human side of professional baseball, where even intense on-field competition can give way to moments of camaraderie and good sportsmanship.