Corey Seager's Return to Dodger Stadium: A Bittersweet Homecoming
Corey Seager made his long-awaited return to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night, his first visit during the regular season since he departed as a free agent after the 2021 season. While fans were excited to see their former star, they were disappointed to learn that Seager was not in the Texas Rangers' lineup due to a left hamstring injury that has sidelined him. Currently, Seager remains day-to-day with the injury, and Tuesday marked the fourth consecutive game he missed.
A Stroll Down Memory Lane
Though Seager had previously returned to Dodger Stadium during the 2022 All-Star Game, this visit was filled with a mix of emotions. The 30-year-old shortstop, who built his reputation in Dodger blue, winning the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award and earning All-Star selections in his first two full seasons, was back in familiar territory—but not quite. "It got a little confusing for Seager, who wasn't familiar with the visiting clubhouse," admitted Seager himself.
Seager's contributions to the Dodgers were monumental. He led the team to the 2020 World Series title during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning both NL MVP and World Series MVP honors in the process. This level of accomplishment has not gone unnoticed by his peers and coaches. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Seager, recalling him as a "superstar, just a heady baseball player, great competitor and performed really well on the biggest of stages." Roberts further commented, "Any team is better with Corey Seager."
A New Chapter in Texas
In free agency, Seager signed a $325 million, 10-year deal with the Texas Rangers, and his performance with Texas has been nothing short of extraordinary. He earned All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023, led the Rangers to a World Series championship, and was named World Series MVP. Despite these achievements, returning to Dodger Stadium was a reflective moment for Seager. "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 said.
Revisiting Old Friendships
Seager also took the opportunity to reconnect with his former teammates. He admitted to feeling disoriented, recalling how he had some of the Rangers' players ask him for directions around the stadium. "I had some guys ask me where to go and I didn't know. It's been a lot of firsts, for sure," Seager commented. Still, the visit allowed him to reflect on his journey in baseball—a compelling story of growth, perseverance, and success.
Future Outlook
Despite the bittersweet nature of his return due to his inability to play, Seager remains optimistic about his injury status. "Definitely trending. It's positive," he assured. This optimism reflects his enduring spirit and determination that have defined his career. Seager acknowledged the complexities that come with change. "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 remarked, speaking of his transition from the Dodgers to the Rangers.
Reflecting on the quick success he's found in Texas, Seager said, "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 Corey Seager's journey continues, both Dodgers and Rangers fans remain in awe of his accomplishments and resilience. While his return to Dodger Stadium was tinged with the disappointment of being unable to play, it served as a reminder of his significant impact on the game and the indelible mark he has left on the storied franchise that first nurtured his talents. His homecoming was indeed bittersweet, but it was also a testament to a career marked by excellence and boundless potential.