Corey Seager Returns to Dodger Stadium
Seager's Emotional Homecoming
Corey Seager came back to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night for the first time in the regular season since his departure as a free agent after the 2021 season. Fans were disappointed to find that he wasn’t in the Texas Rangers’ lineup due to a left hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined. Seager remains day-to-day with the injury, and Tuesday marked the fourth consecutive game he’s missed. Notably, Seager first returned to Dodger Stadium during the 2022 All-Star Game.
Seager's Legacy with the Dodgers
The 30-year-old shortstop established his reputation in Dodger blue. Seager won the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award and became an All-Star in his first two full seasons. He led the Dodgers to the 2020 World Series title during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning NL MVP and World Series MVP honors in the process. Seager admitted to feeling a bit disoriented upon his return to Dodger Stadium, indicating his unfamiliarity with the visiting clubhouse.
After entering free agency, Seager signed a $325 million, 10-year deal with the Rangers. His performance with Texas has been remarkable, earning All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023 and leading the Rangers to a World Series championship. He was named World Series MVP for his efforts.
High Praise from Dodgers Manager
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts holds a high opinion 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." During his return, Seager spent time reconnecting with old teammates and reflecting on his journey.
Seager's Optimism and Reflections
Despite his hamstring injury, Seager remains optimistic about his status, describing it as "definitely trending. It’s positive." He acknowledged the disorientation that comes with change, saying, "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 also 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." His return to Dodger Stadium may have been bittersweet due to his inability to play, but his journey remains a compelling story of growth, perseverance, and success in the world of baseball.
Memories and Challenges
Reflecting on his time with the Dodgers, Seager commented, "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."
He further shared the challenges of not being able to play, stating, "It's hard not to play every day. You want to be out there with your guys." The unfamiliarity with the visiting clubhouse added another layer to his emotional return. "I had some guys ask me where to go and I didn’t know. It’s been a lot of firsts, for sure," Seager noted.
Seager's Legacy Continues
Corey Seager's return to Dodger Stadium, albeit bittersweet due to his injury, highlighted the significant impact he has had on both the Dodgers and the Rangers. His accolades speak volumes of his talent and dedication to the game. Seager's journey from a Rookie of the Year to a World Series MVP exemplifies a career that has been nothing short of extraordinary.