Corey Seager's Return to Dodger Stadium
Corey Seager made his much-anticipated return to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night, marking his first appearance at the historic venue during the regular season since leaving the Dodgers as a free agent after the 2021 season. However, fans were met with disappointment as Seager was not in the Texas Rangers’ lineup due to a left hamstring injury that has sidelined him, keeping him day-to-day and causing him to miss his fourth consecutive game.
Seager's Memories at Dodger Stadium
Seager's initial return to Dodger Stadium occurred during the 2022 All-Star Game, but Tuesday was a significant moment as he visited in a regular season capacity. Reminiscing about his time with the Dodgers, the 30-year-old shortstop spoke about how the organization shaped his career. Seager earned the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award, became an All-Star in his first two full seasons, and was pivotal in leading the Dodgers to the 2020 World Series title during the COVID-19 pandemic. His stellar performance earned him both NL MVP and World Series MVP honors.
"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 said.
His feelings of gratitude were accompanied by a sense of disorientation upon his return. Seager admitted that navigating the visiting clubhouse at Dodger Stadium felt unfamiliar, indicating the stark contrast between his established comfort with the home facilities and the new reality he faces as a visiting player.
Success with the Rangers
Seager's departure from the Dodgers saw him signing a monumental 10-year, $325 million deal with the Texas Rangers. Despite the change of scenery, Seager's performance with Texas has remained exceptional. He earned All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023 and played a crucial role in leading the Rangers to a World Series championship, earning the World Series MVP award in the process.
Reflections and Reunions
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke highly of Seager, recalling him as a "superstar, just a heady baseball player, great competitor and performed really well on the biggest of stages." Roberts emphasized Seager's impact on any team, noting, "Any team is better with Corey Seager."
During his visit, Seager took the opportunity to reconnect with his former teammates, a moment to reflect on his journey and contributions to the Dodgers’ legacy. The reunion underscored the strong bonds and lasting friendships formed during his time with the team.
Injury Status and Optimism
Despite not being able to play, Seager remains optimistic about his recovery from his hamstring injury. He expressed a positive outlook, stating, "Definitely trending. It’s positive." However, the inability to be on the field with his team has been a source of frustration. "It’s hard not to play every day. You want to be out there with your guys," he admitted.
The transition from one organization to another comes with its own set of challenges. Seager acknowledged the adjustments, commenting, "I had some guys ask me where to go and I didn’t know. It’s been a lot of firsts, for sure."
Corey Seager's Legacy
Seager's journey from his time with the Dodgers to his current role with the Rangers paints a compelling story of growth, perseverance, and success in the world of baseball. Reflecting on his rapid success 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."
Concluding his thoughts on the influence of the Dodgers' organization on his career, Seager said, "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’s return to Dodger Stadium was indeed bittersweet due to his inability to participate in the game, but it also highlighted his remarkable journey and the indelible mark he has left on both organizations. His story stands as a testament to his talent, dedication, and the enduring impact of his contributions to the sport of baseball.