Corey Seager Returns to Dodger Stadium
Corey Seager returned to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night for the first time in the regular season since his departure as a free agent after the 2021 season.
However, fans were disappointed to find 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.
The 30-year-old shortstop established his reputation in Dodger blue. Seager won the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award. He became an All-Star in his first two full seasons. 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.
Seager admitted to feeling a bit disoriented upon his return to Dodger Stadium. He was unfamiliar with the visiting clubhouse. "It got a little confusing for Seager, who wasn’t familiar with the visiting clubhouse," reported one observer.
Seager entered free agency and signed a $325 million, 10-year deal with the Rangers. His performance with Texas has been remarkable. He earned All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023. He led the Rangers to a World Series championship and was named World Series MVP.
A Superstar in Every Sense
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts holds a high opinion of Seager. Roberts recalled Seager as a "superstar, just a heady baseball player, great competitor and performed really well on the biggest of stages." Roberts added, "Any team is better with Corey Seager."
Seager spent time reconnecting with old teammates. His return to Dodger Stadium was also a time to reflect on his journey.
Optimism Amidst Adversity
Despite his injury, Seager remains optimistic about his status. "Definitely trending. It’s positive," he said.
He acknowledged the disorientation that comes with change. "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 on his return to Dodger Stadium.
Seager also reflected on what the Dodgers' organization meant to him, "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 added, "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."
Fond Reflections
Reflecting on his championship run with the Dodgers, 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."
Despite not being able to play, Corey Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium stands as a poignant chapter in his career. His journey is a compelling story of growth, perseverance, and success in the world of baseball. Ultimately, Seager’s narrative continues to inspire aspiring athletes and fans alike.
Looking back at his achievements and the relationships formed, it’s clear that Seager has left an indelible mark on the Dodgers' organization and continues to shine in his new chapter with the Texas Rangers.
As he remains optimistic about his recovery from the hamstring injury, the baseball world eagerly anticipates his return to the field, where he will undoubtedly continue to leave his mark as one of the game's premier talents.