Corey Seager's Bittersweet Return to Dodger Stadium
Corey Seager returned to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night for the first time in the regular season since departing the Dodgers as a free agent after the 2021 season. While fans were eager to see their former star, they 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.
The Journey Back
Although this was Seager's first regular-season return to Dodger Stadium, he had previously come back for 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.
Seager admitted to feeling a bit disoriented upon his return to Dodger Stadium, especially with the unfamiliarity of the visiting clubhouse. "It got a little confusing for Seager, who wasn’t familiar with the visiting clubhouse," he shared. Reflecting on his time with the Dodgers, he 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."
Legacy with the Rangers
After entering free agency, Seager signed a monumental $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."
Reconnecting and Reflecting
Seager spent time reconnecting with old teammates during his visit. His 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 remarked.
Although unable to play, Seager remains optimistic about his injury status. "Definitely trending. It’s positive," he said. However, the disorientation from being sidelined is palpable. "It’s hard not to play every day. You want to be out there with your guys," he admitted. Despite the challenges, Seager acknowledged the support and camaraderie of his teammates. "I had some guys ask me where to go, and I didn’t know. It’s been a lot of firsts, for sure."
It's clear that Seager's journey in baseball has been one of growth, perseverance, and success. He reflected on the rapid transformation that led to multiple championships. "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," he said.
A Bittersweet Return
Corey Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium was indeed bittersweet. Though his inability to play due to injury was a letdown for both him and the fans, the visit served as a poignant reminder of the impactful career he built in Los Angeles and the promising future he continues to forge with the Rangers.
As Seager reflected, he expressed gratitude for the experiences and lessons from his time with the Dodgers. These foundation years have undeniably shaped him into the influential player he is today and will continue to be in the future.