Photo: Sports Illustrated

On paper, it looks like there’s no good reason for Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman to represent Canada in the World Baseball Classic, which begins on March 6.  He was born and raised in California, and was drafted by the Braves out of high school in 2007.

However, his parents were born in Canada, which gives him dual citizenship. Because he’s eligible to play for our friends up north, he announced Wednesday on Twitter that he would in fact be doing so. But, the reason why will touch your heart.

According to Freeman, his mother passed away from melanoma when he was 10 years old, and playing for the country she was born in will be a great way to honor her.

Here’s his announcement.