Truist Park served as the introduction for Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, Shohei Ohtani, Clayton Kershaw, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Freddie Freeman spent 12 seasons in Atlanta and was the face of the franchise—a staple from his debut on September 1, 2010, through the transition to Truist Park in 2017 (ajc). He helped lead the Braves to the 2021 World Series title and earned NL MVP honors in 2020.

2022 Return as Dodger: On June 24, 2022, Freeman returned to Truist Park as a visiting Dodger. The Braves staged a pregame ceremony where former manager Brian Snitker presented Freeman with his 2021 World Series ring

Emotional Press Conference: Freeman broke into tears, admitting, “I love the Braves organization with all my heart,” and shared he wasn’t seeking closure—just honoring a special chapte

Ovation at the Plate: Fans rose for a minute of applause as he approached the plate and followed with “Freddie!” chants. Even Dodger teammates like Clayton Kershaw noted the raw emotional charge surrounding his return (SI).

Again in 2024 and 2025—particularly during Truist’s Home Run Derby and All‑Star festivities—Freeman received standing ovations and heartfelt tributes, each a testament to his enduring legacy in Atlanta

Will Smith was the stalwart closer for Atlanta during their 2021 postseason run. He sealed Game 6 of the World Series at Truist—the final out recorded by him—that clinched the Braves’ first title in 26 years. His high-pressure performance included pitching in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded and not allowing a run

Smith’s name rings in Braves history alongside legends like Hank Aaron—not through a jersey, but as the man who ended the title drought on Truist’s hallowed turf. While not given as much fanfare as Freeman’s media events, his act during that 2021 night continues to define his legacy in the stadium’s lore.

Shohei Ohtani arrived in MLB with unprecedented promise: he hit home runs by day and pitched gems by night. By the time he took the field at Truist, the star power was astronomical.

At the 2025 MLB All-Star Game held at Truist Park, Ohtani—playing for the AL—received major fanfare and global attention. The stage welcomed him amid ceremonies that celebrated MLB’s top talent. While not a Braves player, his presence at Truist reinforced the park’s stature as a top-tier venue capable of spotlighting all of baseball’s biggest names

Clayton Kershaw, the long‑time Dodgers ace and future Hall of Famer, doesn’t have Atlanta roots, but he shares the spotlight with Freeman during emotional reunions. In 2022, Kershaw noted how Braves fans seemed to rally around Freeman, expressing, “Which is very perceptive of the fans … it’s been cool to see.”

Kershaw’s remarks added depth to the narrative—Truist Park wasn’t just a stage for Braves players but a platform for baseball’s deepest stories of friendship, rivalry, and respect. His interactions with Freeman humanized the sport, turning personal bonds into wider fan appreciation.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a dominant force in Japan’s NPB for the Orix Buffaloes, arrived in the MLB spotlight in 2024–25. Highly anticipated for his stellar command and poise, Yamamoto quickly became a headline act as he debuted abroad.

When Yamamoto took the mound at Truist Park—either in a regular-season game or spring training—it was another signal that Truist is embraced by baseball’s global elite. While media coverage of specifics is still emerging, his presence represented MLB’s continued cross-cultural reach and the stadium’s role as a premier venue for international stars.

Opened in 2017 (originally SunTrust Park), Truist Park was designed with intimacy and fan experience in mind—close seats, canopy cover, accessible amenities—all supported by a massive $622 million investment (Wikipedia). It immediately became Atlanta’s baseball centerpiece.

• Events Hosted: World Series, All-Star Game, Home Run Derbies, player introductions, ring ceremonies, international showcases.
• Fan Engagement: State-of-the-art facilities have allowed previously personal, emotional moments—like Freeman’s return or Smith’s game clincher—to reach broader audiences and create permanent memories.
• Cultural Hub: Truist Park served as the backdrop for both emerging talent and legacy careers, bridging eras—from Aaron’s first pitch in the 2017 opener to Ohtani’s two-way magic and Yamamoto’s international transition.

Truist Park is no longer just where the Braves play—it’s a cultural milestone, hosting both personal journeys and career-defining moments:

• Freeman: An emotional homecoming, gifts from Atlanta, lasting connection & club heritage.
• Smith: The physical end to drought and rise to legend with one pitch.
• Ohtani: A global superstar’s arrival, affirming the park’s place on the world stage.
• Kershaw: A supportive counterpart, spotlighting bonds and fan empathy.
• Yamamoto: The international bridge, expanding stadium narrative across continents.

Each player’s story is enriched by the shared space of Truist Park—stories of loyalty, farewell, ascension, and legacy, all pulled together by the stadium’s presence.

Truist Park—and its celebratory, high-stakes events—has served as the stage where:

• Frederick Freeman left and rejoined, experience illuminating his emotional ties.
• Will Smith delivered the final pitch that cemented championship history.
• Shohei Ohtani elevated superstar allure across leagues and nations.
• Clayton Kershaw contextualized the moment with teammate empathy and respect.
• Yoshinobu Yamamoto brought global talent to its mound, reinforcing Truist’s international prestige.

Together, these moments fuse into a narrative: Truist Park is where baseball’s best are introduced, celebrated, and remembered.

If you’d like to expand specific sub-sections (e.g., deeper game logs, fan anecdotes, stats), or get full transcript/text for particular media moments, I’m happy to dive into any area.