Corey Seager's Return to Dodger Stadium: A Bittersweet Homecoming
Corey Seager made his return to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night, marking his first visit during the regular season since departing the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent after the 2021 season. Fans had eagerly anticipated seeing Seager back on the field, but were disappointed to find that the star shortstop was not in the Texas Rangers’ lineup due to a lingering left hamstring injury.
Seager, who remains day-to-day with the injury, missed his fourth consecutive game on Tuesday. His absence underscored the challenges athletes face with injuries, even amidst important milestones.
Seager's Legacy with the Dodgers
Corey Seager has a storied legacy with the Dodgers, which began when he joined the team as a rookie. The 30-year-old shortstop quickly established his reputation in Dodger blue, winning the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award. He became an All-Star in his first two full seasons, showcasing his talent and earning the admiration of fans and teammates alike.
Seager played a pivotal role in leading the Dodgers to the 2020 World Series title during the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened season. His exceptional performance earned him both the NL MVP and World Series MVP honors. These achievements cemented his status as one of the top players in the league.
A Warm Welcome and Reflective Moments
Despite not being able to play, Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium was filled with reflective moments and warm receptions. He admitted to feeling a bit disoriented upon his return, noting his unfamiliarity with the visiting clubhouse. “It got a little confusing for Seager, who wasn’t familiar with the visiting clubhouse,” he shared.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke highly of Seager, 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.”
Positive Outlook on Injury Recovery
Although sidelined, Seager remains optimistic about his recovery. “Definitely trending. It’s positive,” he said when asked about his injury status. This positive outlook reflects his resilience and commitment to returning to the field as soon as possible.
Seager spent time reconnecting with old teammates and reflecting 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 remarked, highlighting the sentimental value of his homecoming.
Success with the Rangers
Seager's transition to the Texas Rangers has been marked by continued success. After signing a $325 million, 10-year deal with the Rangers in free agency, Seager has put up remarkable performances, earning All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023. His contributions have been instrumental in leading the Rangers to a World Series championship, where he was named World Series MVP once again.
Despite the differing uniforms, Seager carries with him the lessons and experiences from his time with the Dodgers. He acknowledged, “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.”
Bittersweet Yet Compelling Journey
While Corey Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium was tinged with disappointment due to his inability to play, his journey remains a compelling story of growth, perseverance, and success in the world of baseball. Seager’s reflections and his positivity regarding his recovery signify that, despite the setbacks, he continues to look forward to contributing on the field.
As he navigates these challenges, Seager's career serves as a testimony to his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. His homecoming may have been bittersweet, but it allowed a moment for fans and Seager alike to reflect on the incredible journey that has brought him to where he is today.
Seager summed it up well: “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.” Indeed, Seager’s career has been marked by remarkable moments that clicked at just the right time, solidifying his place in baseball history.