Corey Seager's Return to Dodger Stadium: A Bittersweet Homecoming
Corey Seager made an anticipated return to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night, marking his first visit in the regular season since his departure as a free agent after the 2021 season. However, fans who came to see the former Dodger star in action were left disappointed as Seager was not in the Texas Rangers' lineup due to a left hamstring injury that has been keeping him sidelined. The injury remains day-to-day, and Tuesday was the fourth consecutive game he missed.
While this was Seager's first regular-season return, he had previously come back to Dodger Stadium during the 2022 All-Star Game. The 30-year-old shortstop, who established his reputation in Dodger blue, admitted to feeling a bit disoriented upon his return.
A Storied Career in Dodger Blue
Corey Seager's journey with the Dodgers is marked by numerous accolades and unforgettable moments. He won the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award and became an All-Star in his first two full seasons, helping lead the Dodgers to the 2020 World Series title during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seager's performance in the World Series was nothing short of spectacular, earning him both the NL MVP and World Series MVP honors.
Reflecting on his time with the Dodgers, Seager shared, "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."
New Beginnings with the Rangers
After entering free agency, Seager signed a monumental $325 million, 10-year deal with the Texas Rangers. His performance with Texas has been nothing short of remarkable, earning All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023. Seager also played a pivotal role in leading the Rangers to a World Series championship, repeating history by claiming the World Series MVP award once again.
Although Seager has found success with the Rangers, he couldn't help but feel a bit lost upon his return to Dodger Stadium. "It got a little confusing for Seager, who wasn’t familiar with the visiting clubhouse," he admitted. "I had some guys ask me where to go and I didn’t know. It’s been a lot of firsts, for sure."
High Praise and Optimism
Despite his absence from the lineup, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts holds a high opinion of Seager. Reflecting on Seager's impact, Roberts described him as a "superstar, just a heady baseball player, great competitor and performed really well on the biggest of stages." He added, "Any team is better with Corey Seager."
Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium was not just about reconnecting with old teammates but also a time to reflect on his journey. He remains optimistic about his injury status, noting that he is "definitely trending. It’s positive." Nonetheless, the inability to play has been challenging for the competitive shortstop. "It’s hard not to play every day. You want to be out there with your guys," he commented.
Lessons Learned and Forward Momentum
Seager acknowledged the sense of disorientation that comes with change but remains grateful for the experiences and lessons learned from his time with the Dodgers. "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 remarked. As he continues his journey with the Rangers, Seager carries forward the values and skills honed during his time in Los Angeles.
His reflective nature was evident as he commented on the pace of his success, stating, "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."
In summary, Corey Seager's return to Dodger Stadium was a bittersweet homecoming. Unable to play, he could only watch from the sidelines, yet his journey remains a compelling story of growth, perseverance, and success in the world of baseball.