Corey Seager's Return to Dodger Stadium: A Bittersweet Homecoming
Corey Seager made his way back to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night for the first time in the regular season since departing as a free agent following the 2021 season. However, fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers were left disappointed when they found out that Seager would not be in the Texas Rangers’ lineup due to a lingering left hamstring injury. The shortstop remains day-to-day with the injury, which has now kept him out for four consecutive games.
Seager's History with the Dodgers
Corey Seager first returned to Dodger Stadium during the 2022 All-Star Game, but this time marked his first appearance in a regular-season game there since his departure. The 30-year-old shortstop built an impressive reputation while wearing Dodger blue. He was named the National League Rookie of the Year in 2016 and earned All-Star selections in his first two full seasons. Seager played a pivotal role in leading the Dodgers to the 2020 World Series title during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning both National League Championship Series MVP and World Series MVP honors.
Feelings of Nostalgia and Disorientation
Returning to Dodger Stadium brought a mix of emotions for Seager. He admitted feeling a bit disoriented, especially given his unfamiliarity with the visiting clubhouse. "It got a little confusing for Seager, who wasn’t familiar with the visiting clubhouse," he commented. Seager's return offered him the opportunity to reconnect with former 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 stated.
From Dodger Blue to Lone Star Success
After becoming a free agent, Seager signed a monumental $325 million, 10-year contract with the Texas Rangers. Despite being sidelined by an injury during this visit, Seager's performance with the Rangers has been remarkable. He has earned All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023 and led the Rangers to a World Series championship, where he was named World Series MVP.
The sentiment from his former manager, Dave Roberts, remains high. "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."
Optimism Amidst Injury
Seager remains optimistic about his injury status. "Definitely trending. It’s positive," he commented. While he's eager to rejoin his teammates on the field, he acknowledges the challenge of not being able to play. "It's hard not to play every day. You want to be out there with your guys," Seager remarked.
Adapting to Changes
Seager noted the disorientation that accompanies change, especially when transitioning to a different team and environment. "I had some guys ask me where to go and I didn’t know. It’s been a lot of firsts, for sure," he said, highlighting the adjustments he has had to make.
Despite the new challenges, Seager feels a sense of accomplishment in bringing the winning mentality from the Dodgers to the Rangers. "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 commented. Reflecting on the Rangers' recent success, 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."
A Compelling Journey
Corey Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium, though bittersweet due to his inability to play, illuminated a compelling story of growth, perseverance, and success in the world of baseball. His journey from a promising newcomer to a World Series MVP is a testament to his dedication and skill. As Seager continues to recover from his injury, both Dodgers and Rangers fans alike can appreciate the significant impact he has made in Major League Baseball.