Corey Seager Returns to Dodger Stadium
Corey Seager made his return to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night, marking his first visit to the ballpark during the regular season since departing as a free agent after the 2021 season. Initially, fans were eager to see the former Dodger back on familiar grounds, but disappointment set in as it was revealed that Seager wasn’t in the Texas Rangers’ lineup due to a left hamstring injury. The injury has kept him sidelined, and he remains day-to-day, having missed his fourth consecutive game.
Seager briefly returned to Dodger Stadium for the 2022 All-Star Game, but Tuesday's return held more significance due to the emotional connections and memories associated with his tenure with the Dodgers. The 30-year-old shortstop is well-regarded for his accomplishments in Dodger blue, which include winning the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award, becoming an All-Star in his first two full seasons, and playing a crucial role in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series title during the pandemic-shortened season. His performance during that period earned him both the NL Championship Series MVP and World Series MVP honors.
A Bit of Disorientation
Admitting to feeling a bit disoriented upon his return, Seager found the visiting clubhouse unfamiliar. He noted, "It got a little confusing for Seager, who wasn’t familiar with the visiting clubhouse." However, the nostalgia of Dodger Stadium and reconnecting with old teammates provided him a chance to reflect on his journey. “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 said.
In the offseason, Seager entered free agency and signed a monumental $325 million, 10-year deal with the Texas Rangers. His performance with Texas has been commendable, with All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023. Additionally, Seager led the Rangers to a World Series championship and was named World Series MVP.
High Praise from Dodgers Manager
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts holds Seager in high regard, describing him as a "superstar, just a heady baseball player, great competitor and performed really well on the biggest of stages." Roberts emphasized Seager's value by stating, "Any team is better with Corey Seager."
Seager's return to Dodger Stadium provided him an opportunity to reconnect with his former teammates, offering not just a sense of closure but also a moment to appreciate the paths his career has taken. "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 about his experience in the unfamiliar environment.
Optimism Despite Injury
Despite his current injury, Seager remains optimistic about his recovery. He commented, "Definitely trending. It’s positive," indicating his hopeful outlook on returning to the field. Seager also reflected on his experience with the Dodgers, noting the life lessons and baseball knowledge he gained during his time with the organization. "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.
Discussing his unexpected journey and success, Seager remarked, "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."
Corey Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium was a bittersweet occasion for fans and the player himself, as his inability to play dampened the reunion. Nevertheless, his story of growth, perseverance, and success remains a compelling narrative in the world of baseball, and his return served as a testament to his enduring legacy in Los Angeles.