Corey Seager's Emotional Return to Dodger Stadium
A Triumphant Return Marred by Injury
Corey Seager made his much-anticipated return to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night for the first time in the regular season since departing as a free agent after the 2021 season. Fans were eager to welcome back their former star shortstop, but disappointment set in when they realized Seager wasn't in the Texas Rangers' lineup. A left hamstring injury has sidelined him, making Tuesday the fourth consecutive game he's missed. Seager remains day-to-day with the injury.
A Storied Career in Dodger Blue
Seager's accomplishments in a Dodgers uniform are well-documented. He won the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award, became an All-Star in his first two full seasons, and led the Dodgers to the 2020 World Series title during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the process, he earned both NL MVP and World Series MVP honors. "It’s hard not to play every day," Seager admitted. "You want to be out there with your guys."
Upon his return to Dodger Stadium, Seager confessed to feeling a bit disoriented. He revealed, "It got a little confusing for Seager, who wasn’t familiar with the visiting clubhouse.”
A Bright Future with the Rangers
After entering free agency, Seager signed a $325 million, 10-year deal with the Rangers. His performance with Texas has been equally remarkable. He earned All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023 and led the Rangers to a World Series championship, once again earning the World Series MVP title. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts holds Seager in high regard, 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."
Reconnecting and Reflecting
Seager took the opportunity to reconnect with old teammates and 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," he said. "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 acknowledged the disorientation that comes with change, commenting, "I had some guys ask me where to go and I didn’t know. It’s been a lot of firsts, for sure."
Despite his current sidelined status, Seager remains optimistic. "Definitely trending. It’s positive," he said regarding his injury. His commitment to bringing a winning mindset to the Rangers is evident. "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 remarked. Reflecting on his rapid success, he added, "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."
Bittersweet Homecoming
Corey Seager's return to Dodger Stadium may have been bittersweet due to his inability to play. However, his journey remains a compelling story of growth, perseverance, and success in the world of baseball. As he continues to make strides with the Rangers, Seager's legacy in Dodger blue and his contributions to the sport will be fondly remembered by fans and peers alike.