Freeman to consider Lasik; Hinske says good-byes
Freddie Freeman plans to use the offseason to rest his sore finger and to weigh the option of having Lasik surgery on his eyes.
Freeman just turned 23 and is two or three years away from an age where doctors typically recommend Lasik. Freeman also watched Brian McCann struggle with his own outcome from Lasik surgery in recent years. But Freeman, who started having vision problems in the dry air of Colorado during a series against the Rockies in May, said he continued to have problems right up until Friday’s game against the Cardinals.
“It’s just so frustrating,” Freeman said. “Even (Friday) I went in after my first at-bat; I put three new contacts in my left eye. It’s just really frustrating because I can’t get it to where it’s comfortable every single day.”
Freeman said he plans to have two more cortisone shots in his index finger, which he injured in June in Miami after getting hit by a Jose Reyes throw sliding into second base. He said with rest it should be OK by the time he starts swinging a bat again in January.
Hinske says good-byes
Veteran bench player Eric Hinske said plenty of heart-felt goodbyes to his Braves teammates Saturday, under the assumption that he likely won’t be re-signed.
Hinske, 35, struggled in his third season with the Braves, hitting only .197 (26-for-132) with two home runs on the season, both career-lows. Hinske hit .140 (8-for-57) with 17 strikeouts as a pinch hitter. He continued to hold a leadership role in the Braves clubhouse despite his struggles.
“I was a big part of this clubhouse, and it was a good three years,” Hinske said. “Sad to be going. It’s part of the game, part of the business. Just look forward to the next chapter wherever I’ll be next year. (This is a) great organization, great people in the organization, some of my best friends I’ve ever met on the team. We’ll see what happens.”
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
57 comments Add your comment
rbg420
October 6th, 2012
6:51 pm
hinske was a great Brave who I will always like but unfortunately he is finished. best of luck to u Eric
phoenix
October 6th, 2012
6:54 pm
Judging from his performance this year, I thought Hinske retired in June, and just didn’t tell anybody. If they are re-casting “King of Queens,” he can play the fat UPS guy.
Jamesdubi
October 6th, 2012
6:58 pm
Hinske was fun to watch. Wish him the best and will always be impressed with his class.
Brother Francis
October 6th, 2012
7:19 pm
Thanks Hinske! He would have had one of the biggest HRs in Braves history in Game 3 against SF in the bottom of the 8th. Unfortunately they had to play the top of the 9th that night.
Nova Scotia Steve
October 6th, 2012
7:23 pm
Brother Francis: Unfortunately, Cox didn’t stick with Kimbrel in the 9th inning of the game. Who know’s what would have happened.
I watch the replay of that homer often. It was a mob scene at The Ted when Hinske hit that bomb.
Nova Scotia Steve
October 6th, 2012
7:25 pm
I’m going to miss Hinske.
The Big Ol’ Water Buffalo was a great fit in Atlanta.
Nova Scotia Steve
October 6th, 2012
7:25 pm
I’m going to miss Hinske.
The Big Ol’ Water Buffalo was a great fit in Atlanta.
Ken Stallings
October 6th, 2012
7:39 pm
Best of luck, Eric Hinske! You were a pro’s pro as a pinch hitter and keyed some very productive rallies for the Braves over the years. Sadly, time stands still for no one. But, you’ve enjoyed an enviable career playing the best sport ever conceived by mankind!
sean
October 6th, 2012
8:04 pm
i remember one of the radio or tv guys nicknamed hinske diesel….and the name stuck for a while..i even had a custom jersey with his number and that name made because he was a team player and gave his all…very respectable of the game and the teams he was on…thank you for your time in ATL Ske’….
Freddie Freeman (Braves) — BaseballMoves.com
October 6th, 2012
8:30 pm
[...] Source: ajc.com [...]
Ebenezer Snerdberg
October 6th, 2012
9:11 pm
NOVA SCOTIA STEVE,
SO THIS BE THE BLOG WHERE YOU BE A-HANGIN’! WONDERED WHERE YOU GOT OFF TO. I TOO SHALL MISS ‘THE ILLUSTRATED MAN’ SALVIN’ MY WOUNDS WITH THE FAMOUS GROUSE AFTER THAT TECH GAME…AGAIN!
Lovethebravos
October 6th, 2012
9:11 pm
Hinske, thanks for your time as a Brave…a real pro and a great team player. Come
Lovethebravos
October 6th, 2012
9:14 pm
…finishing up…come back when you retire. I think the Braves will miss the clubhouse leadership more than most realize.
Lovethebravos
October 6th, 2012
9:14 pm
Hinske, thanks for your time as a Brave…a real pro and a great team player. Come back when you retire. I think the
yuuup
October 6th, 2012
10:30 pm
I like Hinske a lot, but his time is up in Atlanta. He was spot on when he said this was a business, and that nobody kno
cloudodust
October 6th, 2012
10:48 pm
Hinske came up big in 2011 at times but 2012 was a flounder. He knows the deal and accepts his fate in ATL. Eric, thx for what you gave the city and the team over the years in the Braves uni, on the bench and in the clubhouse…
Ken in Alpharetta
October 6th, 2012
10:50 pm
The best to you Hinske, I enjoyed your time in a Brave uniform.
YoungerThan ThatNow
October 6th, 2012
11:09 pm
Thanks Eric Hinske… you were a great Atlanta Braves player and a major part of the positive chemistry of this team for the past three years. You gave us some memorable moments, and the real Braves fans won’t forget you! Not many people can say that they played in three consecutive World Series with different teams… I only wish that you would have had that opportunity in Atlanta! Godspeed to you, friend!
Freeman to consider Lasik; Hinske says good-byes – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Grand Rapids LASIK Eye Surgery
October 7th, 2012
12:05 am
[...] Freeman to consider Lasik; Hinske says good-byesAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog)Freeman just turned 23 and is two or three years away from an age where doctors typically recommend Lasik. Freeman also watched Brian McCann struggle with his own outcome from Lasik surgery in recent years. But Freeman, who started having vision …Freddie Freeman hopes to correct vision problems in offseasonSB Nation [...]
Gus2259
October 7th, 2012
1:00 am
Eric,
If this is it then best of everything to you. You were a great guy to have on the team and your leadership will be missed!
Mitchell
October 7th, 2012
1:13 am
Nova Scotia Steve
October 6th, 2012
7:23 pm
Brother Francis: Unfortunately, Cox didn’t stick with Kimbrel in the 9th inning of the game. Who know’s what would have happened.
I watch the replay of that homer often. It was a mob scene at The Ted when Hinske hit that bomb.
I have not personally watched the replay of Hinske’s home run.
Because of Bobby Cox, I’ll never watch it.
I saw it on TV. I even predicted it.
You could ask the people who were there and they would tell you.
Didn’t hear the call due to the reaction of the small number of people I was with.
I desperately wanted to see it again after the game while it was still being played and would be watching it right now but thanks to Bobby Cox, we lost and there’s no turning back.
Probably the greatest moment in the history of Turner Field, completely flushed down the drain.
Columbus
October 7th, 2012
1:49 am
Eric is a great guy. Best to you Eric. Thanks for being a Brave and some great memories.
Mike
October 7th, 2012
3:32 am
good brave. always loved his passion
Notso Fast
October 7th, 2012
5:27 am
I think he always gave his best but the Braves need more than Club House Leaders, they need players on the field that can hit, run and field.
Notso Fast
October 7th, 2012
5:27 am
I think he always gave his best but the Braves need more than Club House Leaders, they need players on the field that can hit, run and field.
LAC
October 7th, 2012
9:36 am
Let’s just hope the owners of the Braves, Hate that owners bit, been there done that…
Have the GUTS to FIRE Chicken wren before he does MORE damage to thisfranchise, sound like something we have heard before ???? Why is he still here after his inability to do the job and he has Killed this team.
The Braves are old, slow and without hitting needed to win.
It they don’t fire wren, might consider winnipeg, I hear there is no NHL there this season, just like here !
jim
October 7th, 2012
12:47 pm
I liked Hinske, but his contributions went down year by year and this year were minimal at best. I’m not sure which organization will have a spot for Hinske next year. The news about Freeman’s eyes was far more disconcerting. Another key Braves’ player entering the prime of his career wih vision problems.
Freeman to consider Lasik; Hinske says good-byes | Laser Facial TreatmentsLaser Facial Treatments
October 7th, 2012
1:38 pm
[...] Freeman to consider Lasik; Hinske says good-byes Posted on October 7, 2012 by admin Freeman to think about Lasik; Hinske states proper-byes Freeman to think about Lasik; Hinske states desirable-byes. 6:47 pm October 6, 2012, by Carroll Rogers. Freddie Freeman plans to use the offseason to relax his sore finger and to weigh the option of having Lasik surgery on his eyes. Freeman truthful turned 23 and is … Read more on Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Latest Eye Lasik Surgery News | Laser Cosmetic TreatmentsLaser Cosmetic Treatments
October 7th, 2012
2:16 pm
[...] Freeman to think about Lasik; Hinske states proper-byes Freeman to think about Lasik; Hinske states distinguished-byes. 6:47 pm October 6, 2012, by Carroll Rogers. Freddie Freeman plans to use the offseason to relax his sore finger and to weigh the option of having Lasik surgery on his eyes. Freeman true turned 23 and is … Read more on Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Choppinmama
October 7th, 2012
4:18 pm
Au revoir, Big Diesel. Thanks for your contributions and your positive presence in the dugout. Character and attitudes like yours make that 162-game-grind a little more enjoyable. Good luck in the woods this winter. You and #10 will be racking up some big ones I’m sure.
Freeman to consider Lasik; Hinske says good-byes | Laser Skin TreatmentLaser Skin Treatment
October 7th, 2012
5:19 pm
[...] Freeman to consider Lasik; Hinske says good-byes Posted on October 7, 2012 by admin Freeman to think about Lasik; Hinske states marvelous-byes Freeman faithful turned 23 and is two or three years absent from an Age where physicians typically suggest Lasik. Freeman also watched Brian McCann struggle with his possess outcome from Lasik surgery in current years. But Freeman, who started having vision … Read more on Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
BravesFan79
October 7th, 2012
11:04 pm
Always liked Henski, a pure hitter with some power, and a good person as well. Goodluck mate.
Speedy Gonezalez
October 8th, 2012
12:06 am
E dog is a likable guy, but he stole money this year, at what he got paid it was 500k per homer, he’s done. Diaz & Wilson are also useless, & please don’t keep Janish & his .190 avg. Reed Johnson is a keeper, Ross of course, & Pastornicky in a backup role, & Constanza off the bench. Let Bourn walk, too expensive for a strikeout machine!!!
Buddy Landel
October 8th, 2012
5:56 am
Three years here and fans can’t spell his name. Best to you, H-I-N-S-K-E
bill
October 8th, 2012
8:03 am
As usual the Braves stick with a nice guy a year beyond his usefullness. This year he was a liabilty but a good guy.
Doug
October 8th, 2012
8:08 am
I know there’s some big fish to fry this off-season, but I think they should also look to unloading Uggla. Move Prado to 2nd and start the hunt for 3rd, left, center and backup catcher.
BigGTMike
October 8th, 2012
8:36 am
Better hydration might help Freeman’s eyes.
Heisenberg
October 8th, 2012
9:21 am
I was sitting behind visitors dugout when Hinski hit the HR against SF in the playoffs. From that vantage point there was no doubt it was gonna be fair, but it looked like it had no chance of getting out. I thought it would be a double into the corner. Seems like it never got higher than 20 feet and just kept going.
Hinski almost signed with home town Brewers before returning to Braves for years 2 & 3. Would not be surprised if that is where he ends career.
Flo-Rio-Duh
October 8th, 2012
9:36 am
Freeman should wait a couple of years if possible before getting lasik because his eyes are still changing sine he is so young. He also needs to know that lasik cause dry eyes in some cases.
Flo-Rio-Duh
October 8th, 2012
9:39 am
Freeman should try Symmtrel eye drops to keep moisture in his eyes as dry eyes will cause you vision problems. Just use the drops very 4hours or so and he will see better if he has dry eyes.
Posts about The Braves From Other Great Blogs issue #1 | Atlanta Braves Dugout Online | Atlanta Braves Blog
October 8th, 2012
1:15 pm
[...] and the former six-time All-Star said Saturday that he’ll probably need su more… Freeman to consider Lasik; Hinske says good-byes – blogs.ajc.com 10/06/2012 Freddie Freeman plans to use the offseason to rest his sore finger [...]
phil
October 8th, 2012
1:19 pm
Heavy Hinske will be remembered, but it’s time….
Thanks for the good overall job you did!
As for FF, good luck with it.
Orange Brave
October 8th, 2012
4:25 pm
My best to Hinske who always played his best and gave us many a thrill. Classy guy. Wish his last year had been at least respectable at the plate. Maybe he could be a p/t batting instructor if he does not hook on with a team.
Would love to see an ACCURATE list of salaries that the Braves will be freeing up in ‘13. Jones, Lowe, etc.
Teddy B
October 9th, 2012
5:08 pm
Hinske just couldn’t find it this year. It happens. Maybe he would be an option for the Pirates, they seem to like taking back the guys we pick up from them like Natey boy McLouth, even though he ended up with the O’s.
Teddy B
October 9th, 2012
5:10 pm
And what is it with Braves and vision problems? Ugh, hope Freddie gets that fixed it’d be a shame to see him end up ending his career early because he can’t see.
Teddy B
October 9th, 2012
5:10 pm
And what is it with Braves and vision problems? Ugh, hope Freddie gets that fixed it’d be a shame to see him end up ending his career early because he can’t see.
tim
October 9th, 2012
6:20 pm
Hinske is a bench player and team leader that Mr Wren needs to resign. Without Chipper in the locker room and dugout we are going to need people like Hinske. Please don’t let him walk away.
OldBravesBag
October 10th, 2012
7:58 am
Why is Freddie having two more cortisone shots in his finger? Cortisone is not an answer, it’s a stop gap for pain and inflammation. Those shots can do damage to joints, bone, and surrounding tissue.
Latest The Lasik News | Connecting LASIK
October 12th, 2012
12:50 pm
[...] Freeman to consider Lasik; Hinske says good-byes Freeman just turned 23 and is two or three years away from an age where doctors typically recommend Las cCann struggle with his own outcome from Lasik surgery in recent years. But Freeman, who started having vision … Read more on Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Mongo
October 13th, 2012
10:50 am
Maybe that is Fuggla’s problem. Vision. That and swinging at 90% of the first pitch.
LASIK
October 13th, 2012
7:57 pm
Freddie needs to go for it. I’m also 23 and had LASIK when I was 20; haven’t really had any problems. I occasionally get dry eyes, but some regular old drops easily solve the problem. I’ve never heard that it’s better to wait until you’re 25, I’ve only heard that your vision needs to remain stable for two years before you have the surgery, but I’m no opthamologist. I have 20/15 vision now and highly recommend the surgery. Then again, I didn’t have a multimillion dollar professional baseball career riding on the outcome of the my procedure.
South Ridge Optical - Mike Adams set for surgery; Lasik for two
October 15th, 2012
10:55 am
[...] Freeman to consider Lasik; Hinske says good-byes Freeman just turned 23 and is two or three years away from an age where doctors typically recommend Lasik. Freeman also watched Brian McCann struggle with his own outcome from Lasik surgery in recent years. But Freeman, who started having vision … Read more on Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Fastball
October 16th, 2012
1:45 pm
Thanks Eric, God speed
Larry30
October 19th, 2012
10:56 pm
A very disappointing night in 2010 after his clutch HR in the 8th of game 3. Especially after Glaus made the fantastic defensive play that Friday night in game 2 to bail out Farnsworth. I have been going to sporting events here in Atlanta since 1966 and that was the loudest I have ever heard a crowd after hinske’s homer. I believe everyone at turner field had confidence that kimbral could close out that game except the man who wore number 6. When he stepped to the top step of the dugout and made his way out to remove Kimbral the air went out of turner field. Cox should have left him in there. Everyone knew he was the new closer that night except Bobby.
WTF
October 22nd, 2012
8:29 am
Dave all I can say about the Twins/ Braves series, “Fredo you broke my heart”
Mike Lewis
October 22nd, 2012
6:36 pm
I, too, wish Hinske well….it is funny what Phoenix said about Hinkse as I’ve always said he could be a Kevin James look-a-like…They’re probably two peas in a pod as well…both funny! Need more ball players like him…hard-nosed….bulldog tuff….good luck man!
JB
December 8th, 2012
4:42 pm
Both Eric and David Ross were very important teammates and leaders in the clubhouse. If the Braves start the season looking like something is missing from their rhythm, remember the absence of these two guys. Sometimes games are won from the bench.