Corey Seager's Return to Dodger Stadium: A Bittersweet Homecoming
Corey Seager made an emotional return to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night, marking his first appearance since departing as a free agent after the 2021 season. The return was bittersweet for loyal Dodgers fans, as they were left disappointed to find that Seager was not in the Texas Rangers' lineup due to a left hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined.
Injury Woes
Seager remains day-to-day with his hamstring injury, and Tuesday marked the fourth consecutive game he has missed. Despite the setback, Seager remains optimistic about his recovery, stating, "Definitely trending. It's positive."
From Rookie to MVP
Seager had previously returned to Dodger Stadium during the 2022 All-Star Game, but his recent visit brought back a flood of memories. The 30-year-old shortstop established his reputation in Dodger blue, winning the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award and becoming an All-Star in his first two full seasons. Most notably, Seager was key in leading the Dodgers to the 2020 World Series title during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning both NL MVP and World Series MVP honors in the process.
Seager recounted his initial feelings upon returning to Dodger Stadium: "It got a little confusing for Seager, who wasn’t familiar with the visiting clubhouse."
A Mega-Deal with the Rangers
The move to the Texas Rangers came after Seager entered free agency and signed a $325 million, 10-year deal. His performance with Texas has been nothing short of remarkable, with All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023. He also played a pivotal role in leading the Rangers to a World Series championship, earning World Series MVP honors once again.
Reflecting on his transition, Seager commented, "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 added, "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."
Reflections and Reunions
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts holds Seager in high regard, calling him a "superstar, just a heady baseball player, great competitor and performed really well on the biggest of stages." For Roberts, any team "is better with Corey Seager."
Seager’s time at Dodger Stadium allowed him to reconnect with old teammates and reflect 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 shared.
The return also came with its share of amusing moments. Seager admitted to feeling a bit disoriented in the unfamiliar confines of the visiting clubhouse. "I had some guys ask me where to go and I didn’t know. It’s been a lot of firsts, for sure." Seager also acknowledged the challenges that come with change and how his time with the Dodgers shaped him.
Looking Forward
While Seager's return to Dodger Stadium as a spectator rather than a player may have been disappointing to many, it serves as a testament to his journey. From winning Rookie of the Year honors to becoming a two-time World Series MVP, Corey Seager's career is a compelling story of growth, perseverance, and success in the world of baseball.
As Seager continues his recovery and looks forward to rejoining the Rangers' lineup, baseball fans everywhere can appreciate his remarkable journey and the indelible mark he has left on the sport. "It's hard not to play every day. You want to be out there with your guys," Seager said, embodying the competitive spirit that has made him one of the league’s most respected players.
In summary, Corey Seager's return to Dodger Stadium may have been a bittersweet occasion, but it also highlighted the incredible journey of a player who has achieved so much and still has much more to offer. His reflections and optimism signal that, despite the challenges, the best may still be yet to come in his career.