Corey Seager's Bittersweet Return to Dodger Stadium
Corey Seager's Journey Back
Corey Seager came back to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night for the first time in the regular season since his departure as a free agent following 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, and 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, winning the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award and becoming 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. Upon his return, Seager admitted to feeling a bit disoriented. He was unfamiliar with the visiting clubhouse, a stark contrast to his years of comfort in the Dodgers' home environment.
Transition to Texas 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. He earned All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023, led the Rangers to a World Series championship, and was named World Series MVP.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts holds a high opinion of Seager. "Any team is better with Corey Seager," Roberts said. He recalled Seager as a "superstar, just a heady baseball player, great competitor and performed really well on the biggest of stages." Seager spent time reconnecting with old teammates, reflecting on his journey and the paths that have led to his current success.
Reflecting on Growth and Success
Seager remains optimistic about his injury status, noting, "Definitely trending. It’s positive." He acknowledged the disorientation that comes with change but 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." 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."
Despite his inability to play, Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium was also a time to 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. He expressed the difficulty of not playing every day, saying, "It’s hard not to play every day. You want to be out there with your guys."
Looking Forward
Seager’s journey, filled with growth, perseverance, and success, continues to be a compelling story in the world of baseball. Speaking about his experience navigating the unfamiliar visiting clubhouse, Seager humorously noted, "I had some guys ask me where to go and I didn’t know. It’s been a lot of firsts, for sure." This statement encapsulates the theme of adaptation that has characterized his career since leaving the Dodgers.
As Corey Seager heals from his current injury, fans on both sides remain optimistic about his future contributions. Seager himself remains hopeful, stating, "Definitely trending. It’s positive." His return to the stadium may have been bittersweet, but it underscored a story of significant personal and professional achievement. Seager’s legacy continues to build, one game, one season, and one milestone at a time. With his towering presence and invaluable experience, Corey Seager is set to achieve even greater heights in the seasons to come.