Corey Seager's Return to Dodger Stadium: A Bittersweet Homecoming
First Visit Since Departure
Corey Seager made a notable return to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night, marking his first regular-season appearance at the venue since leaving as a free agent following the 2021 season. However, Dodgers fans were left disappointed as Seager was not in the Texas Rangers’ lineup due to a left hamstring injury, which has sidelined him and remains a day-to-day concern. Tuesday's game was the fourth consecutive one he’s missed due to this injury.
Memories and Achievements in Dodger Blue
Seager’s initial return to Dodger Stadium happened during the 2022 All-Star Game, but this particular visit was emotionally charged as it brought back memories of his career with the Dodgers. At 30 years old, Seager has firmly established his reputation in Dodger blue. His accolades include winning the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award and becoming an All-Star in his first two full seasons. Notably, Seager played a pivotal role in leading the Dodgers to the 2020 World Series title during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning both NL MVP and World Series MVP honors.
"It was a bit disorienting," Seager admitted upon his return to Dodger Stadium. Having spent his considerable career with the Dodgers, he found himself unfamiliar with the visiting clubhouse—a stark reminder of how things have changed.
A New Chapter with the Rangers
After leaving the Dodgers, Seager entered free agency and signed a massive $325 million, 10-year contract with the Texas Rangers. His performance in Texas has been exceptional, earning him All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023 and leading the Rangers to a World Series championship. He was named World Series MVP, further cementing his status as an elite player.
Despite these achievements with the Rangers, Seager's return to Dodger Stadium evoked strong emotions. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had high praise for Seager, describing 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 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 reflected.
Injury Setback and Optimism
While his return was a poignant moment, it was also bittersweet due to his inability to play. Seager remains optimistic about his recovery, stating, "Definitely trending. It’s positive." However, he acknowledged the difficulty of not being able to contribute on the field, noting, "It’s hard not to play every day. You want to be out there with your guys."
The injury has also brought about some amusing moments of confusion. "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, highlighting the disorientation that comes with change.
Gratitude and Reflection
Despite the setbacks, Seager expressed gratitude for what he learned 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.
Reflecting on his rapid success with the Rangers, 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, while tinged with the disappointment of being sidelined, offered a moment to reflect on a compelling story of growth, perseverance, and success in the world of baseball. His journey from a young talent in Dodger blue to a mature, celebrated player with the Rangers serves as a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.