Corey Seager's Return to Dodger Stadium: A Bittersweet Homecoming
Corey Seager returned 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. However, 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.
Although Seager first returned to Dodger Stadium during the 2022 All-Star Game, this time felt different. The 30-year-old shortstop, who had established his reputation in Dodger blue, admitted to feeling a bit disoriented upon his return. He was unfamiliar with the visiting clubhouse, a far cry from the comfort of the home team's facilities where he had spent several formative years of his career.
From Rookie to Star
Seager's journey began with a bang when he won the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award. He quickly 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, earning NL MVP and World Series MVP honors in the process. His impact on the Dodgers was monumental, and his departure left a significant void in the team's roster.
Seager entered free agency and signed a $325 million, 10-year deal with the Rangers. His performance with Texas has been nothing short of remarkable. He earned All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023 and led the Rangers to a World Series championship, where he was named the World Series MVP.
A Warm Welcome
Despite not being able to play, Seager spent time reconnecting with old teammates, reflecting on his journey, and expressing optimism about his injury status. "Definitely trending. It’s positive," he said regarding his condition. 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."
For Seager, returning to Dodger Stadium was also a time to reflect. "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.
Adjusting to Change
Despite his successes with the Rangers, Seager acknowledged the disorientation that comes with change. "It got a little confusing for Seager, who wasn’t familiar with the visiting clubhouse," he said. "I had some guys ask me where to go and I didn’t know. It’s been a lot of firsts, for sure." However, Seager also expressed gratitude for the foundational experiences he had 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 commented.
Reflecting on his swift 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."
A Compelling Journey
Corey Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium may have been bittersweet due to his inability to play, but his journey is a compelling story of growth, perseverance, and success in the world of baseball. His performance both with the Dodgers and the Rangers stands as a testament to his skill and dedication to the game. Seager remains a symbol of excellence and an inspiration to many, showcasing what can be achieved through hard work and determination.
As Seager continues to recover from his injury, fans and teammates alike remain hopeful for his return to the field. Whether in Dodger blue or Rangers red, Seager has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with, and his future in baseball looks as promising as ever.