Corey Seager's Long-Awaited Return to Dodger Stadium
Corey Seager made his much-anticipated return to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night, marking his first visit to the iconic ballpark during the regular season since leaving as a free agent after the 2021 season. However, fans were left disappointed as Seager, who now plays for the Texas Rangers, did not feature in the lineup due to a lingering left hamstring injury.
Seager remains day-to-day with the injury that has kept him sidelined, and Tuesday's game marked the fourth consecutive contest he has missed. This injury setback didn’t stop Seager from making appearances at Dodger Stadium; he had previously returned during the 2022 All-Star Game.
A Hero's Legacy in Dodger Blue
The 30-year-old shortstop established a sterling reputation during his tenure with the Dodgers. Seager won the 2016 National League Rookie of the Year award and earned All-Star selections in his first two full seasons. He also played a pivotal role in leading the Dodgers to a World Series title in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning both the NL MVP and World Series MVP honors in the process.
Seager admitted that returning to Dodger Stadium brought about a sense of disorientation, especially as he navigated the unfamiliar visiting clubhouse. Despite these challenges, the visit was a time for reflection on his journey and growth as a major league baseball player.
"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," Seager said. "All those memories kind of flash back as you’re pulling in."
A New Chapter with the Rangers
As a free agent, Seager signed a monumental $325 million, 10-year deal with the Texas Rangers. His performance in Texas has been nothing short of remarkable, earning him All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023. He also led the Rangers to a World Series championship, adding yet another World Series MVP to his impressive resume.
Despite the challenges accompanying his move, Seager acknowledged the valuable lessons he carried from 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 commented.
Admiration from Former Teammates and Coaches
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts holds Seager in high regard. Reflecting on Seager’s time with the team, Roberts recalled him as a "superstar, just a heady baseball player, great competitor and performed really well on the biggest of stages." In Roberts' words, "Any team is better with Corey Seager."
During his visit, Seager spent time reconnecting with old teammates, further highlighting the strong bonds and friendships formed during his tenure in Los Angeles.
Positive Outlook Amid Challenges
Despite his current injury status, Seager maintains an optimistic outlook. "Definitely trending. It’s positive," he stated, signaling hope for a swift return to the field. However, being unable to contribute on game day remains a point of frustration for the star shortstop. "It’s hard not to play every day. You want to be out there with your guys," he confessed.
His return to Dodger Stadium, though bittersweet due to his inability to play, served as a testament to his remarkable journey of growth, perseverance, and success in baseball. Reflecting on the rapid developments in his career, 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."
In the end, Corey Seager’s story is a compelling narrative that speaks volumes about his character and talent. His continued success and positive attitude towards overcoming obstacles make him a beloved figure both in Los Angeles and in his new home in Texas. As he navigates this new chapter of his career, Seager remains an example of excellence and resilience in the world of professional baseball.