Corey Seager's Emotional Return to Dodger Stadium
Corey Seager came back to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night for the first time in the regular season since his departure as a free agent after the 2021 season. The homecoming was a bittersweet moment for both Seager and the fans, as the talented shortstop was not in the Texas Rangers' lineup due to a left hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined. Seager remains day-to-day with this injury, and Tuesday marked the fourth consecutive game he has missed.
Seager first returned to Dodger Stadium during the 2022 All-Star Game, but this visit had a different emotional weight, given his history with the Dodgers. The 30-year-old shortstop is a well-established figure in Dodger blue, with a legacy that includes winning the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award and becoming an All-Star in each of his first two full seasons.
A Stellar Legacy with the Dodgers
Seager played a crucial role in leading the Dodgers to the 2020 World Series title during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning NL MVP and World Series MVP honors in the process. His accomplishments with the Dodgers are woven into the fabric of the team’s recent history. Naturally, his return to Dodger Stadium left him feeling a bit disoriented, especially since he was unfamiliar with the visiting clubhouse after years of being rooted on the home side.
“It got a little confusing for Seager, who wasn’t familiar with the visiting clubhouse,” he admitted. The return to his old stomping grounds served as a poignant reminder of his journey and growth as both a player and a person. Seager acknowledged, “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. All those memories kind of flash back as you’re pulling in.”
New Beginnings with the Rangers
Upon entering free agency, Seager signed a $325 million, 10-year deal with the Rangers, and his performance with Texas has been nothing short of extraordinary. 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. Despite his incredible success with his new team, Seager’s bond with the Dodgers and their fans remains strong.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts holds Seager in high esteem, recalling him as a “superstar, just a heady baseball player, great competitor and performed really well on the biggest of stages.” Roberts added, “Any team is better with Corey Seager.”
Reconnecting and Reflecting
During his visit, Seager spent time reconnecting with his old teammates and reflecting on his journey. He acknowledged the disorientation that comes with such significant change but remains optimistic about his injury status. “Definitely trending. It’s positive,” he said.
Seager also expressed the challenges of adapting to new surroundings and different routines. “I had some guys ask me where to go and I didn’t know. It’s been a lot of firsts, for sure,” he commented. Yet, his affection for his former team and its influence on his career was apparent. “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,” Seager said.
Reflecting on the rapid success he found with the Rangers, Seager added, “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 Bittersweet Homecoming
Although his return to Dodger Stadium was bittersweet due to his inability to play, Seager’s journey is a compelling story of growth, perseverance, and undeniable success in the world of baseball. His presence on and off the field continues to leave a lasting impact, underscoring the respect and admiration he commands from both former and current teammates, managers, and fans.
As Seager continues to recover from his hamstring injury, the baseball world eagerly anticipates his return to action, hopeful that he will continue to add to his already remarkable legacy.