Corey Seager's Return to Dodger Stadium: A Bittersweet Homecoming
First Return Since Departure
Corey Seager made his much-anticipated return to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night for the first time in the regular season since leaving the team as a free agent following the 2021 season. Fans, however, were left disheartened when they found out Seager wasn’t in the Texas Rangers’ lineup due to a lingering left hamstring injury.
Injury Update
Seager, still day-to-day with the injury, missed his fourth consecutive game on Tuesday. Despite the setback, his optimism remains evident: "Definitely trending. It’s positive," Seager commented, highlighting his hopefulness about a swift recovery.
A Storied Career with the Dodgers
Seager first returned to Dodger Stadium during the 2022 All-Star Game, but Tuesday's visit was special as it marked his first regular-season return to the place where he made a significant impact. The 30-year-old shortstop built a sterling reputation in Dodger blue, which included winning the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award, earning All-Star selections in his first two full seasons, and leading the Dodgers to the 2020 World Series title during the COVID-19 pandemic. In that victorious campaign, Seager garnered both NLCS and World Series MVP honors.
Seager admitted to feeling somewhat disoriented upon his return to Dodger Stadium, noting the unfamiliarity with the visiting clubhouse. "It got a little confusing for Seager, who wasn’t familiar with the visiting clubhouse," he remarked. This adjustment underscores the changes he has experienced since his time in Los Angeles.
Massive Deal with the Rangers
After entering free agency, Seager signed a monumental $325 million, 10-year contract with the Rangers. His performance in Texas has been remarkable, leading the team to a World Series championship and earning All-Star honors in both 2022 and 2023. Remarkably, he also secured another World Series MVP title, solidifying his status as one of the premier players in the game.
Dodgers' Perspective
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts holds Seager in high regard, reminiscing about his time with the team: "He was a superstar, just a heady baseball player, great competitor and performed really well on the biggest of stages," Roberts said. "Any team is better with Corey Seager."
During his return, Seager spent time reconnecting with his former teammates, reflecting on how the Dodgers organization helped shape his career. "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 said, capturing the sentimental nature of his homecoming.
A Time for Reflection
Though Seager was unable to play due to his injury, his return to Dodger Stadium offered a poignant opportunity to evaluate his journey. From his early days as a rookie sensation to his current role as a leader and marquee player for the Rangers, Seager’s path has been one of growth, perseverance, and success.
Remembering the lessons he learned during his time with the Dodgers, Seager remarked, "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." Reflecting on his swift impact with the Rangers, 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."
Looking Ahead
Despite the bittersweet nature of his return, Corey Seager’s journey in baseball is far from over. As he continues to recover from his hamstring injury, fans and teammates alike remain eager to see him back on the field, where his talent and leadership can once again shine.
His return to Dodger Stadium, even sidelined, serves as a testament to his enduring influence and the lasting legacy he left in Los Angeles. For Seager, it’s a moment to appreciate his past successes and look forward to future triumphs, both with his current team and beyond.