Corey Seager Returns to Dodger Stadium
Corey Seager made his first return to Dodger Stadium in a regular season game since his departure as a free agent after the 2021 season on Tuesday night. However, fans were disheartened to learn that the Texas Rangers' star shortstop would not be in the lineup, ruled out due to a left hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined. Seager remains day-to-day with the injury, having missed his fourth consecutive game as of Tuesday.
Bitter-Sweet Homecoming
As Seager walked through the halls of Dodger Stadium, the familiarity of the place clashed with the unfamiliarity of his surroundings. "It got a little confusing for Seager, who wasn’t familiar with the visiting clubhouse," one could almost hear the sense of displacement in his words. Not having played in Dodger Stadium as a visitor before, Seager admitted to feeling a bit disoriented. This underscores the emotional complexity of returning to a place filled with so many pivotal memories.
Roots in Dodger Blue
The 30-year-old shortstop has deep roots with the Dodgers, having established his reputation in the city of Los Angeles. Seager won the National League (NL) Rookie of the Year award in 2016 and was an All-Star in his first two full seasons. One of the crowning moments of his career came when 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.
Reflecting on the Dodgers organization, Seager said, "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."
A New Chapter with the Rangers
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. In his new uniform, he earned All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023. Beyond individual accolades, he also led the Rangers to a World Series championship and was named World Series MVP, showcasing his incredible talent and competitive spirit.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts holds Seager in high regard. "Any team is better with Corey Seager," Roberts remarked, recalling Seager as a "superstar, just a heady baseball player, great competitor and performed really well on the biggest of stages."
A Time to Reconnect and Reflect
Seager’s return was not just about revisiting an old stomping ground; it was also an opportunity to reconnect with former teammates and reflect on his journey. Seager spent time engaging with his old teammates, albeit while dealing with the frustration of not being able to play. "It’s hard not to play every day. You want to be out there with your guys," Seager expressed, highlighting his competitive nature and desire to contribute.
Despite the bittersweet nature of his return, Seager remains optimistic about his injury status. "Definitely trending. It’s positive," he assured when asked about his recovery process.
The Journey Continues
Reflecting on the rapid success he found 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." His journey is a compelling narrative of growth, perseverance, and success.
Seager’s comments also highlight the valuable lessons he learned during his time 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 said, acknowledging the formative impact of his years in LA.
Conclusion
Corey Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium, though bittersweet due to his inability to play, served as an evocative reminder of his journey from a rising star in Los Angeles to a seasoned champion in Texas. His story remains one of growth, perseverance, and triumph in the world of baseball, and fans eagerly await his return to the field.