As every Dodgers fan knows – at least every ‘Old School’ Dodgers fan – it has been a very long time since their beloved team has had an ‘official’ team captain. In fact, the last ‘official’ team captain was beloved Hall of Fame shortstop Pee Wee Reese back in the 40’s and 50’s.

However, it is very well established and accepted that during his nine seasons as the Dodgers everyday third baseman, Justin Turner has been the team’s ‘unofficial’ team captain, and I defy anyone to prove otherwise. It just… well… is.

Was.

This past offseason, Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman elected not to offer the extremely popular (now) 38-year-old Long Beach, California native a contract extension, thereby ending his tenure with his hometown team which, in turn, has left the Dodgers team-captain-less – ‘unofficial’ or otherwise.

Or has it?

Enter 33-year-old / 13-year MLB (and soon-to-be Dodgers second-year) first baseman Freddie Freeman who, on Saturday, did (said) a very Justin Turner-ish / team-captain-like thing when he was asked what (also) 33-year-old / 13-year MLB veteran right fielder Jason Heyward, who Friedman recently signed to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training camp, brings to the team.

“I believe a lot,” Freeman answered, without a hint of hesitation. “I’ve known him since I was 16 years old. I know what’s in there, I know he’s got a lot to prove. He’s got a little chip on his shoulder. I know he wants to come in and compete for a job. I hit with him, and it’s a very nice sound coming off the bat. He looks really good.

“He made some adjustments in his swing, his hands are a lot more quiet, and I think he’s going to be able to get to the ball a lot easier,” added Freeman. “He just looks so relaxed and comfortable with the adjustments he made. I’m hoping for a big Spring from him and he gets on our team.”

The Dodgers new ‘unofficial’ team captain has spoken.

As for former ‘unofficial’ Dodgers team captain Justin Turner, he was (very) quickly – and unsurprisingly – snatched up by the Boston Red Sox on a two-year / $21.7 million free agent deal. For some reason, I have a sneaking suspicion that it won’t be long before the former Cal State Fullerton Titan becomes the Red Sox new team captain.

…‘unofficial’ or otherwise.

Play Ball!

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