As the coronavirus continues to spread at a record rate in some parts of America, some have argued that younger people should not fear COVID-19 because it does not pose such a great threat to them if they do contract it.
Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman offered an emotional rebuttal to that argument Saturday while detailing his experience with the illness that led him to report late to summer camp.
Freeman told reporters that the experience was miserable enough to start praying because the disease would not carry him:
“I said a little prayer that night because it had never been this hot before … I said ‘please don’t take me.’ It got a little worrisome that night.”
Freddie Freeman on his worst night with COVID-19, when the fever reached 104.5 degrees. He said that with a smile (I think), but … scary stuff pic.twitter.com/03fBJtVFEI– Justin Felder (@ Justin_FOX5) July 18, 2020
“Friday night, that was the scariest night for me. I had a fever spike of 104.5. Thankfully, [Braves trainer George Poulis] He was not awake when I texted him because he probably would have gone to the hospital. Two minutes after that, I shot myself in the forehead again, I was 103.8, then 103.2, and 103.6, so I thought, ‘Okay, if I go above 104 again, the phone will probably start ringing, try to figure this out.’
“I said a little prayer that night. I have never been so hot before. My body was really very hot, so I said ‘Please don’t take me’. I wasn’t ready. It got a little troubling that night.
According to ESPN, Freeman said his fever dropped to 101 the following morning and broke two days later. Its other symptoms include aches, chills, and temporary anosmia. It has now been his ninth symptom-free day in a row, and his wife and aunt are also recovering.
Keep in mind that this is a 30-year-old professional athlete at the peak of his powers, with access to almost any healthcare resource he may need. And the virus still had him in bed, miserable and fearing that his life was in danger.
Freddie Freeman had a bad time with the coronavirus, despite being one of the most physically fit people on the planet. (AP Photo / John Amis)
Freeman was already known to be having a bad time with the virus, as Braves manager Brian Snitker said it would be a while before he could return and his wife said “it hit him like a ton of bricks.”
Freeman was still able to return to camp on Friday, and it looks like he still has a chance to be available for opening day.
