Corey Seager's Return to Dodger Stadium: A Bittersweet Homecoming
Corey Seager stepped back into Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night for the first time in the regular season since his departure in 2021, where he signed a lucrative 10-year, $325 million deal with the Texas Rangers. To the disappointment of fans eager to see their former star, Seager was not in the Texas Rangers’ lineup due to a lingering left hamstring injury.
The Injury and Absence
The injury has kept Seager sidelined, and Tuesday marked the fourth consecutive game he's missed. Despite the setback, he remains optimistic about his condition. "Definitely trending. It’s positive," he said, expressing hope for a quick return. Seager's trajectory is being monitored on a day-to-day basis, leaving fans in suspense about his eventual return to the field.
A Celebrated Career in Dodger Blue
Seager first returned to Dodger Stadium during the 2022 All-Star Game, but Tuesday's visit carried a different weight as he was set to face his former team during the regular season. The 30-year-old shortstop made an indelible mark in Los Angeles, becoming the National League Rookie of the Year in 2016 and earning All-Star honors in his first two full seasons. His crowning achievement came during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season when he led the Dodgers to their World Series title, earning both NL MVP and World Series MVP honors. Seager established himself as a top-tier player in Dodger blue, engraving his name in the team’s storied history.
Adjusting to New Surroundings
Returning to Dodger Stadium, however, presented Seager with some disorientation. "It got a little confusing for Seager, who wasn’t familiar with the visiting clubhouse," an anecdote that highlighted the strangeness of returning as an opponent. He recounted, "I had some guys ask me where to go and I didn’t know. It’s been a lot of firsts, for sure." This unfamiliarity extends beyond physical spaces; it’s an emotional terrain he is now navigating.
A Successful Tenure with the Rangers
Since joining the Rangers, Seager's performance has been nothing short of remarkable. He continued to earn All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023 and led the Rangers to a World Series championship, adding another World Series MVP title to his growing list of accolades. His transition to the Rangers has been seamless, validating the hefty contract bestowed upon him.
A Fond Reflection on His Dodgers Days
Though wearing a different jersey, the memories of his time with the Dodgers linger. “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 reflected. This homecoming, albeit bittersweet due to his inability to play, allowed him to reflect on a journey filled with growth, perseverance, and success.
Manager’s Tribute
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts couldn’t hide his admiration for Seager. "Superstar, just a heady baseball player, great competitor and performed really well on the biggest of stages," Roberts extolled. "Any team is better with Corey Seager." Roberts' comments underline the sentimental value and high esteem in which Seager is held within the Dodgers organization.
Reconnecting and Moving Forward
Seager spent time reconnecting with his old teammates, but also acknowledged the changes that come with moving on. "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 stated, appreciating the foundation laid by the Dodgers while embracing his role 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," he remarked about the rapid success he found with his new team.
Looking Ahead
Corey Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium served as a poignant reminder of his influential tenure with the Dodgers and his continued excellence with the Rangers. While his inability to participate in the game was unfortunate, his presence alone was a narrative of his enduring impact on the sport. Seager’s journey underscores the dynamic career of a player who has not just excelled on the field but has also carried forward the lessons and values imparted to him by his original team. His story remains a compelling testament to growth, perseverance, and success in the world of baseball. As he looks to recover from his hamstring injury, fans from both Los Angeles and Texas will undoubtedly be eagerly watching his return.