Freddie Freeman made an emotional return to Dodger Stadium on Monday night after two weeks away to support his 3-year-old son, Maximus, who was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome and is now beginning to recover.

The Dodgers community rallied behind Freeman, offering a moving display of support with 'MaxStrong' shirts and a standing ovation. Freeman had taken a leave of absence to be with Maximus during a critical health battle that saw the young boy placed on a ventilator and initially misdiagnosed. With Maximus starting physical therapy and expected to fully recover, Freeman expressed deep gratitude to his teammates and the broader baseball community for their unwavering support during this challenging time.

Freeman's return to the Dodgers was marked by an emotionally charged atmosphere at Dodger Stadium. The stadium erupted into a standing ovation before his first at-bat, a gesture that deeply moved the veteran first baseman. With tears in his eyes, Freeman acknowledged the crowd, reflecting the immense emotional journey he has been through over the past few weeks.

The support extended beyond the fans as Freeman's teammates and the Dodgers staff wore shirts emblazoned with 'MaxStrong' and his number. This show of solidarity was for Maximus, Freeman's son, who has been battling Guillain-Barré syndrome. Seeing the shirts and feeling the support from his team added to the emotional weight of the night for Freeman, who had been away from the sport to be by his son’s side.

Maximus Freeman began exhibiting symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome on July 22. Initially, he was diagnosed with transient synovitis, but his condition escalated quickly, necessitating his admission to Children’s Hospital of Orange County on July 24. Freeman, who was in Houston at the time, immediately returned to Los Angeles upon hearing about his son's deteriorating health.

The severity of Maximus's condition soon became apparent as he was placed on a ventilator just hours after being admitted. The respiratory support was crucial in helping him begin the recovery process from paralysis caused by the syndrome. The family spent anxious days in the pediatric intensive care unit, hoping for signs of improvement.

In a heartwarming moment that Freeman shared at a press conference, he described the emotional experience of holding his son for the first time after Maximus came off the ventilator. The relief and joy of that moment contrasted sharply with the fear and anxiety of the preceding days as Maximus took his first steps towards recovery.

During his 30-minute press conference, Freeman detailed the challenges that Maximus has faced and continues to face. The young boy is undergoing physical therapy and is relearning basic functions, a difficult but promising sign of progress. Despite the hardships, the doctors are optimistic about Maximus making a full recovery with ongoing treatment.

Freeman expressed heartfelt thanks to the baseball community for their outpouring of support. Notably, he mentioned receiving messages from several players, including Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper. This collective support has been a source of strength for Freeman and his family as they navigate Maximus's recovery.

Maximus’s battle with Guillain-Barré syndrome has been a profound ordeal for the Freeman family. The syndrome, which causes the immune system to attack the nervous system, led to paralysis and his stay in intensive care. The initial misdiagnosis and rapid deterioration of his health intensified the family's distress, but quick action and medical care have put Maximus on the path to recovery.

With Maximus now beginning physical therapy, there is a palpable sense of hope for the Freemans. The ongoing treatment aims to help Maximus regain his strength and promote normal function. The journey to recovery will be strenuous and long, but signs of progress are already visible.

The resilience of both Freddie and Maximus Freeman has been evident through this challenging time. As the family continues to focus on Maximus's recovery, the Dodgers community and the broader baseball world provide a foundation of support and encouragement. The show of solidarity at Dodger Stadium serves as a reminder of the power of community in times of personal struggle.