Corey Seager Returns to Dodger Stadium: A Bittersweet Homecoming
Corey Seager's return to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night was marked by a mix of nostalgia and a hint of melancholy. It was his first time back during the regular season since he left as a free agent after the 2021 season, but unfortunately for fans, Seager was not in the Texas Rangers' lineup. A left hamstring injury has kept him sidelined, and Tuesday marked the fourth consecutive game he missed.
A Rocky Return
Though Seager had previously returned to Dodger Stadium during the 2022 All-Star Game, he admitted feeling disoriented. "It got a little confusing for Seager, who wasn’t familiar with the visiting clubhouse," an observation that accentuated the strangeness of his new reality. Seager said, "I had some guys ask me where to go and I didn’t know. It’s been a lot of firsts, for sure."
Seager remains optimistic about his recovery, stating, "Definitely trending. It’s positive." His injury is still day-to-day, and he is hopeful about returning to the field soon.
A Storied Legacy
The 30-year-old shortstop has a well-established reputation in baseball, especially among Dodger fans. Seager won the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award and became an All-Star in his first two full seasons. He played a crucial role in leading the Dodgers to the 2020 World Series title during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning both the NL MVP and World Series MVP honors.
Despite moving to Texas, his performance has continued to dazzle. Seager signed a $325 million, 10-year deal with the Rangers and has since earned All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023. He led the Rangers to a World Series championship and was named World Series MVP again.
Fond Reflections
Seager's return to Dodger Stadium served as a poignant reminder of his journey and growth. "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. He also spoke highly of the Dodgers, stating, "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."
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts holds Seager in high regard. “Any team is better with Corey Seager,” Roberts remarked. He recalled Seager as a "superstar, just a heady baseball player, great competitor and performed really well on the biggest of stages."
The Future
While Seager's injury kept him from participating in Tuesday's game, his interaction with old teammates and reflections on his time with the Dodgers were a silver lining. Seager commented on the unexpected speed of his achievements with the Rangers: "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."
As Seager continues to rehab his hamstring, he remains optimistic about his return to play. "It’s hard not to play every day. You want to be out there with your guys," Seager admitted. His journey, marked by growth, perseverance, and remarkable success, stands as a testament to his talent and dedication to the game of baseball.
Corey Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium, though bittersweet, was a significant chapter in his storied career. It served as a time for reflection, reconnections, and a hopeful look forward as he aims to overcome his current injury and continue to make notable contributions on the field.