Corey Seager's Return to Dodger Stadium: Memories and Milestones
First Return Since Departure
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 following the 2021 season. However, fans were disappointed to find out 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. Tuesday marked the fourth consecutive game he’s missed.
Seager first returned to Dodger Stadium during the 2022 All-Star Game, but this marked a significant moment in the regular season. The 30-year-old shortstop made a name for himself in Dodger blue, winning the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award and becoming an All-Star in his first two full seasons. Perhaps most notably, 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.
Mixed Feelings
Seager admitted to feeling a bit disoriented upon his return to Dodger Stadium. "It got a little confusing for Seager, who wasn’t familiar with the visiting clubhouse," he said. His former manager, Dave Roberts, holds Seager in high regard, recalling him as a "superstar, just a heady baseball player, great competitor and performed really well on the biggest of stages." Roberts emphasized, "Any team is better with Corey Seager."
During his time at Dodger Stadium, Seager spent time reconnecting with old teammates and reflecting on his journey. "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.
A Remarkable Career in Texas
After entering free agency, Seager 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, during which he was named World Series MVP.
Despite his impressive achievements, Seager remains humble about his journey. "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," he commented on his success with the Rangers.
Optimistic About Recovery
Seager remains optimistic about his injury status. "Definitely trending. It’s positive," he said, addressing concerns about his left hamstring injury. Nonetheless, the injury has kept him out of the lineup, a situation he finds challenging. "It’s hard not to play every day. You want to be out there with your guys," he admitted.
Additionally, Seager acknowledged the disorientation that comes with change, stating, "I had some guys ask me where to go and I didn’t know. It’s been a lot of firsts, for sure." This sentiment highlights the adjustments he has had to make in transitioning from the Dodgers to the Rangers. "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 remarked, expressing gratitude for his experience with the Dodgers.
A Bittersweet Return
Corey Seager’s 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. "This organization kind of raised me, kind of made me the man I am today, taught me the game of baseball," Seager recounted, looking back on his formative years with the Dodgers.
As Seager continues to recover from his injury, fans on both sides eagerly await his return to the field. His story is a testament to his resilience and skill, and his impact on the game remains undeniable.