Corey Seager Returns to Dodger Stadium: A Bittersweet Homecoming
Corey Seager's Homecoming
Corey Seager made his much-anticipated return to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night, marking his first appearance during the regular season since departing as a free agent after the 2021 season. However, the excitement was dampened for many fans as Seager was not in the Texas Rangers' lineup due to a left hamstring injury that has sidelined him. The injury has kept him day-to-day, leading to the fourth consecutive game he has missed.
Memorable Return
Seager’s first return to Dodger Stadium actually occurred during the 2022 All-Star Game, but this regular-season appearance held its own significance. The 30-year-old shortstop, who built an impressive reputation in Dodger blue, reminisced about his time with the team. Seager, who won the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award and earned All-Star selections in his first two full seasons, led the Dodgers to a World Series title in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. His performance during that championship run earned him both NL MVP and World Series MVP honors.
Admitting to feeling a bit disoriented upon his return, Seager noted that he was unfamiliar with the visiting clubhouse. "It got a little confusing for Seager, who wasn’t familiar with the visiting clubhouse," he mentioned, emphasizing the changes he has encountered since his move to the Rangers. The sentiment highlighted the bond he shared with the Dodgers, an organization he credits for his development as a player and person.
A Remarkable Career with Texas
Following his free agency, Seager signed a monumental $325 million, 10-year deal with the Texas Rangers. His tenure with Texas has been nothing short of remarkable. In just two seasons, Seager earned All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023, leading the Rangers to a World Series championship. He added another World Series MVP to his illustrious career accolades. Despite his success with the Rangers, Seager confessed that the Dodgers' influence on his career remained substantial. "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 reflected.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts holds Seager in high regard, recalling him as a "superstar, just a heady baseball player, great competitor and [someone who] performed really well on the biggest of stages." Roberts summed up Seager's value succinctly: "Any team is better with Corey Seager." This mutual respect signals the lasting impact Seager had on the Dodgers.
Reconnecting and Reflecting
Seager spent part of his return reconnecting with old teammates, providing a sense of camaraderie and a chance to reflect on his journey. Despite his sidelined status, Seager remains optimistic about his injury, describing his recovery as "definitely trending. It’s positive." His eagerness to join his teammates on the field is palpable: "It’s hard not to play every day. You want to be out there with your guys."
As he continues his recovery, Seager acknowledged the challenges that come with change and growth. "I had some guys ask me where to go and I didn’t know. It’s been a lot of firsts, for sure," he said, underscoring the unfamiliarity he faces in his new surroundings while carrying principles learned in Los Angeles.
"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 disclosed. His return to Dodger Stadium was a bittersweet reflection of his journey, encapsulating growth, perseverance, and success in the world of baseball.
Final Reflections
Corey Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium, though marred by injury, served as a powerful reminder of his impact and growth as a player. From his formative years with the Dodgers to his current role as a linchpin for the Rangers, Seager’s journey is a compelling narrative of resilience and achievement. As he navigates this chapter of his career, Seager's reflections paint a portrait of a player who has significantly evolved, attributing much of his success to the foundational lessons learned in Los Angeles. His sentiment, "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," encapsulates his remarkable journey in the sport.