Lady Luck found a baseball player at the blackjack table, but this story has nothing to do with the cards he was dealt.
Cody Freeman’s first day as a Major League Baseball player was anything but ordinary. It all began at a casino in Las Vegas, setting a surreal tone that matched his feelings about the day.
Cody, a talented player and Texas Rangers’ fourth-round pick in 2019, was in Las Vegas with his Triple-A team, the Round Rock Express.
They were in town to face the Las Vegas Aviators.
It was supposed to be a typical day, starting with a workout and followed by an early breakfast. Cody's parents were also in town, making a family weekend out of the trip.
Phone Started Ringing at the Blackjack Table
The excitement began when Cody and his dad decided to hit the blackjack tables at the Red Rock Casino, located next to the Aviators’ ballpark. His mother opted to try her luck at the slot machines instead. As they settled into their game, Cody's phone started ringing. Etiquette rules at casinos generally discourage phone use at the tables, so Cody ignored the first call.
Cell phones are not allowed at blackjack tables for several reasons, including:
- Prevent cheating: Cell phones can be used to gain an unfair advantage, such as by using card counting apps, sharing information with someone outside the casino, or even using the camera for illicit purposes like tracking cards or collaborating with others to cheat.
- Protect privacy and security: Many patrons and casino employees do not want to be photographed or recorded without their consent.
- Maintain the integrity and atmosphere of the game: Even beyond specific legal or cheating concerns, casinos often have rules against electronics at table games simply to create a social, focused gaming environment and minimize distractions or disputes.
The rule is also in place because casinos are highly sensitive to security threats, like the recent cyber-attack at a casino in Minnesota. This is enforced both by casino policies and, in some places, such as Nevada, by state law.
Freeman Gets Life-Changing Message at the Casino
When Freeman's phone vibrated a second time, showing the same unknown number, Cody continued to dismiss it. But when a third notification came through, this time in the form of a text message, he decided to glance at it. Turns out, it was Doug Davis, the manager of the Round Rock Express. Cody hadn’t saved his manager's number, so he didn't recognize it at first.
The message was far more life-changing than he could have anticipated. Doug wasn't just calling about a game strategy or position change —he was calling to inform Cody that he needed to catch a flight to Dallas-Fort Worth immediately. The Texas Rangers were bringing him up to the big leagues.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Cody placed his hand on his head, trying to process this life-altering information. He looked over at his dad, who was sitting right next to him. With a beaming smile, Cody shared the incredible news through his expression before voicing it. It was a father-son moment that neither would forget.
Lady Luck Finds Freeman at Blackjack Table
Cody's journey to the Major Leagues was already brimming with impressive stats. At 24, he was having a standout season, hitting .315 with 12 home runs and 54 RBIs. Despite the unexpected setting, this day marked a major turning point in his career, one that will always be special in his memory.
Now, as he starts his Major League career, Cody Freeman carries with him the unforgettable energy of that surreal day in Las Vegas, cheered on by his proud parents every step of the way.
You don’t have to hop on a plane to Las Vegas to try your hand at blackjack; you can enjoy the game from the comfort of your own home. Legal online casinos offer the opportunity to play blackjack for real money, bringing the thrill of the casino floor right to your fingertips. You can also find online Blackjack tips, including common mistakes to avoid while playing.
Sweepstakes casinos provide a similar experience with virtual currencies, like “sweeps coins,” allowing you to play and potentially win cash prizes without spending your own money directly. Whether you’re playing for real money or just for fun, online platforms make it easy and convenient to enjoy blackjack anytime, anywhere.
