Corey Seager's Return to Dodger Stadium: A Bittersweet Homecoming
Corey Seager made his much-anticipated return to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night, marking the first time he had stepped onto the field during the regular season since leaving the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent after the 2021 season. His return was bittersweet for the fans, as they were disappointed to learn he would not be in the Texas Rangers' lineup due to a left hamstring injury that has sidelined him.
Seager remains day-to-day with the injury, and Tuesday marked the fourth consecutive game he has missed. This is not his first return to Dodger Stadium, as he previously played there during the 2022 All-Star Game.
A Celebrated Career in Dodger Blue
The 30-year-old shortstop established a formidable reputation while wearing Dodger blue. Seager won the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award and became an All-Star in his first two full seasons. He then led the Dodgers to a World Series title in 2020, earning both NL MVP and World Series MVP honors during the pandemic-shortened season. Seager admitted to feeling a bit disoriented upon his return to Dodger Stadium as he was unfamiliar with the visiting clubhouse.
A New Chapter with the Rangers
Entering free agency, Seager signed a $325 million, 10-year deal with the Rangers. His performance with Texas has been nothing short of remarkable. He earned All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023 and led the Rangers to a World Series championship, where he was named World Series MVP once again.
Fond Memories and High Praise
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts holds a high opinion of Seager, recalling him as a “superstar, just a heady baseball player, great competitor and performed really well on the biggest of stages.” Roberts remarked, “Any team is better with Corey Seager.” On Tuesday, Seager spent time reconnecting with old teammates and reflecting on his journey. Despite his current injury, Seager remains optimistic. “Definitely trending. It’s positive,” he commented on his recovery process.
Seager acknowledged the disorientation that accompanies such a significant transition. “They taught me how to win, how to do things the right way. It’s a first-class organization, and you try to bring that to another first-class organization,” he said, reflecting on the values instilled in him by the Dodgers. Seager also remarked on the rapid success he found with the Rangers. “I don’t know if you ever thought it would be that fast. Just kind of clicked at the right time and got hot in the playoffs, and it turns into that.”
A Journey of Growth and Success
Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium was a bittersweet occasion due to his inability to play. It served as a poignant reminder of his journey, a compelling story of growth, perseverance, and success in the world of baseball. His comments encapsulate the emotional connection he still holds with the Dodgers organization. “This organization kind of raised me, kind of made me the man I am today, taught me the game of baseball, made a lot of friends, made a lot of buddies, had a lot of good times out there so all those memories kind of flash back as you’re pulling in,” Seager reminisced.
Seager’s injury has undoubtedly affected his ability to contribute on the field. “It’s hard not to play every day. You want to be out there with your guys,” he admitted. The feeling of unfamiliarity was evident as well. “I had some guys ask me where to go, and I didn’t know. It’s been a lot of firsts, for sure.”
In conclusion, Corey Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium was a moment of reflection, filled with nostalgia and the recognition of his significant impact on both the Dodgers and the Rangers. His journey remains a testament to his talent, hard work, and the values imparted by his early years in Los Angeles. As he continues to recover from his injury, the baseball world eagerly awaits his return to the diamond.