Corey Seager's Emotional Return to Dodger Stadium
Corey Seager returned to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night, marking his first appearance at the venue during the regular season since departing as a free agent after the 2021 season. While fans were eager to welcome back their former star, they were disappointed to discover that the Texas Rangers' lineup did not feature Seager. A left hamstring injury has kept him sidelined, and he remains day-to-day with the ailment. This marked the fourth consecutive game he missed due to the injury.
Seager's Remarkable Career with the Dodgers
Seager first stepped back into Dodger Stadium during the 2022 All-Star Game. The 30-year-old shortstop established himself as one of baseball's premier talents while donning Dodger blue. He burst onto the scene in 2016, earning the NL Rookie of the Year award and becoming an All-Star in his first two full seasons. Seager's crowning achievement with the Dodgers came in 2020 when he led the team to a World Series title during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning both NL MVP and World Series MVP honors in the process.
Seager's Return to Dodger Stadium
Upon his return to Dodger Stadium, Seager admitted to feeling disoriented and unfamiliar with the visiting clubhouse. In an emotional moment, Seager reflected on his journey and the time he spent growing as a player and person in Los Angeles. He entered free agency and signed a $325 million, 10-year deal with the Rangers. His performance with Texas has been nothing short of remarkable, with All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023 and leading the Rangers to a World Series championship. Seager was named World Series MVP for his efforts.
Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts' High Praise
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts holds Seager in high regard. Roberts recalled Seager as a "superstar" and described him as "a heady baseball player, great competitor and performed really well on the biggest stages." He added, "Any team is better with Corey Seager."
Reconnecting with Old Teammates
During his visit, Seager spent time reconnecting with old teammates and reflecting on his journey. He remains optimistic about his injury status, stating, "Definitely trending. It’s positive." Seager acknowledged the disorientation that comes with change, remarking, "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 Reflections on His Journey
Seager also commented on the speed of his recent success with the Rangers, saying, "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."
Bittersweet Homecoming
Corey Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium was bittersweet due to his inability to play because of his injury. However, it provided an opportunity to reflect on a compelling story of growth, perseverance, and success in the world of baseball. Seager's contributions to the Dodgers and his continued excellence with the Rangers highlight his remarkable journey as one of baseball's elite talents.
Quotes
Seager's return also included several notable quotes that encapsulate his feelings:
"It got a little confusing for Seager, who wasn’t familiar with the visiting clubhouse."
"Definitely trending. It’s positive."
"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."
"It’s hard not to play every day. You want to be out there with your guys."
"I had some guys ask me where to go and I didn’t know. It’s been a lot of firsts, for sure."
"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."
"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."
Corey Seager's journey from a Dodgers rookie to a World Series champion with the Rangers has been marked by outstanding achievements and lasting memories. As he continues to recover from his injury, fans look forward to seeing Seager back in action, adding to his legacy in the baseball world.