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Nate Freiman, now known as the 'Green Giant' as he towers over most at a staggering 6'8", once was not so green in appearance. That's right. Freiman, now of the Oakland Athletics, once dawned a Padres affiliate's logo on his sleeve. As he and his team coast through the postseason, let's take a look at his accomplishments within our organization and during his first season in the bigs.
Freiman, a former Duke Blue Devil, was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the eighth round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft. In his time spent within our system, Freiman batted near the .300 mark collectively at the conclusion of each season, meanwhile swatting out 75 total home runs. In addition to tearing up the minor league parks, Freiman played on the Israel National Baseball Team in the 2013 World Baseball Classic qualifier, crushing 4 homeruns in just 12 at bats. Freiman also collected the titles of NOR Player of the Week in 2009, MID Mid-Season All-Star in 2010, CAL Post-Season All-Star in 2011, TEX Mid-Season All-Star in 2012, TEX Post-Season All-Star in 2012,and MiLB.com Organization All-Star in 2012 while playing within the Padres system. This 2013 season, Frieman earned the title of American League Rookie of the Month in May, playing for the Oakland Athletics with a batting average of .351.
Currently, Freiman bats .274 in 190 at bats for the Athletics. Any Padres fan can find pride in such a talented and consistent player that was nurtured within the San Diego Padres organization. We can all anticipate great things from our former 2011 CAL League Championship winning first-baseman, as he continues to turn heads with solid production across the board. Hats off to the 'Green Giant'!
