Freeman Makes MLB Debut

CLEMSON, S.C. – Former Tiger infielder Mike Freeman was called up to the majors for the first time with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday morning. He started in right field for the Diamondbacks against the Dodgers on Sunday afternoon and became the 55th former Tiger to play in the major leagues. Freeman, who played three seasons (2008-10) at Clemson after transferring from Georgia, joined former Tiger righthander Dominic Leone (2010-12) as players on the Diamondbacks’ current 25-man roster.

Freeman began the 2016 season at the AAA level with the Reno (Nev.) Aces, where he hit .317 with 17 doubles, six triples, one homer, 24 RBIs and 11 steals in 88 games. In his seven years in the minors, all in the Diamondback organization, he hit .290 with 127 doubles, 29 triples, 15 homers, 255 RBIs and 129 steals in 716 games.

In 189 games (187 starts) as a second baseman at Clemson, he hit .330 with 174 runs, 253 hits, 48 doubles, six triples, 13 homers, 120 RBIs and 25 steals. He batted .332 (2008), .328 (2009) and .331 (2010), and led the Tigers to the 2010 College World Series by winning the Mitchell Award as team MVP. Freeman was also a three-time All-ACC Academic team member and two-time team co-captain.

Freeman was drafted in the 36th round by the Diamondbacks in 2009 but elected to return for his senior year. After the 2010 season, he was drafted again by the Diamondbacks in the 11th round.