Corey Seager's Return to Dodger Stadium: A Bittersweet Homecoming
Corey Seager made his way back to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night, marking his first appearance at the iconic venue during the regular season since leaving as a free agent after the 2021 season. Fans eager to see the former Dodger star were left disappointed as Seager sat out due to a left hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined. The injury remains a day-to-day concern, and Tuesday's game was the fourth consecutive one he's missed.
Seager's Journey
Seager first made a return to Dodger Stadium during the 2022 All-Star Game. The 30-year-old shortstop built a significant part of his career in Dodger blue, establishing himself as a key player. He won the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award and became an All-Star in his first two full seasons. Seager was instrumental in leading the Dodgers to the 2020 World Series title during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning both NLCS MVP and World Series MVP honors in the process.
Reflecting on the past, Seager admitted feeling a bit disoriented upon his return. "It got a little confusing for Seager, who wasn’t familiar with the visiting clubhouse," he stated. After signing a $325 million, 10-year deal with the Texas Rangers as a free agent, Seager's performance with Texas has been remarkable. He earned All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023, led the Rangers to a World Series championship, and was named World Series MVP.
Seager's Impact on the Rangers
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Seager highly, 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." Seager's journey with the Rangers has been a testament to his growth, perseverance, and success in the world of baseball. Despite the trickiness of adjusting to a new environment, Seager has managed to excel rapidly. "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," he remarked.
Reconnecting and Reflecting
Seager spent some time reconnecting with old teammates and reflecting on his journey. He spoke fondly of his time with the Dodgers, "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." His return to Dodger Stadium was not just a game but a reunion filled with nostalgia and reflection.
Seager remains optimistic about his injury status, indicating a positive outlook. "Definitely trending. It’s positive," he noted. Despite the challenges, including the disorientation and adjusting to a new role, Seager expressed his appreciation for the foundation laid during 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 said.
Looking Forward
Although his return to Dodger Stadium may have been bittersweet due to his inability to play, Seager's journey is one of continuous growth, resilience, and remarkable achievements in baseball. "I had some guys ask me where to go and I didn’t know. It’s been a lot of firsts, for sure," Seager commented, reflecting on the strangeness of visiting a familiar place under new circumstances. He added, "It’s hard not to play every day. You want to be out there with your guys."
Corey Seager's story is compelling, a narrative of a young talent who rose through the ranks, made significant contributions to his team, and continued to shine even after changing teams. His homecoming to Dodger Stadium serves as a testament to his lasting impact and the respect he has earned from both fans and players alike. Seager's optimism and dedication remain strong, and his journey in professional baseball is far from over.