Corey Seager Returns to Dodger Stadium
Corey Seager made a nostalgic return to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night, stepping back onto the grounds where he established himself as one of baseball’s most dynamic talents. It was his first visit in the regular season since leaving as a free agent after the 2021 season. Unfortunately for fans, Seager wasn’t in the Texas Rangers’ lineup due to a left hamstring injury that has sidelined him, marking the fourth consecutive game he has missed. Seager remains day-to-day with the injury.
Memories and Milestones
At 30 years old, Seager’s career is filled with memorable milestones, many of which occurred in a Dodger uniform. He first returned to Dodger Stadium during the 2022 All-Star Game, but Tuesday’s visit had a different vibe, as it was a regular-season game. Seager admitted to feeling a bit disoriented upon his return, particularly due to his unfamiliarity with the visiting clubhouse. "It got a little confusing... I had some guys ask me where to go and I didn’t know," Seager said. "It’s been a lot of firsts, for sure."
A Rise to Stardom
Seager’s journey with the Dodgers began in spectacular fashion. He won the 2016 National League Rookie of the Year award and earned All-Star selections in his first two full seasons. The pinnacle of his time in Los Angeles came in 2020, when he led the Dodgers to a World Series title during the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened season. Along the way, he earned both the NLCS MVP and World Series MVP honors. Speaking of his tenure with the Dodgers, Seager remarked, "This organization kind of raised me, kind of made me the man I am today, taught me the game of baseball."
A New Chapter with the Rangers
Seager's transition from Dodger blue to the Texas Rangers was marked by a massive $325 million, 10-year contract. Despite the change in scenery, his performance on the field remained exceptional. He earned All-Star selections in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons and led the Rangers to a World Series championship, where he added another World Series MVP trophy to his collection. "They taught me how to win, how to do things the right way," Seager said of the Dodgers. "It’s a first-class organization and you try to bring that to another first-class organization."
A Warm Welcome Back
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 that "any team is better with Corey Seager." The sentiment was clear—Seager's return to Dodger Stadium, even if he wasn’t playing, was a significant moment for both him and the team.
Reflecting on the Journey
For Seager, the return was also a time to reflect. "All those memories kind of flash back as you’re pulling in," he said, acknowledging the emotional weight of re-entering the stadium where he achieved so much. Despite his current injury, Seager remains optimistic about his recovery. "Definitely trending. It’s positive," he commented, remaining hopeful about his return to the field.
His journey from a promising rookie to a seasoned veteran and champion with two organizations underscores his growth, perseverance, and undeniable talent. Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium was a poignant chapter in a compelling story, one that continues to captivate fans and exemplify what it means to be a true baseball star.
In conclusion, Corey Seager may not have been able to play on Tuesday night, but his presence was felt strongly at Dodger Stadium—a place where memories were rekindled and respect was evident. His story is far from over, but this homecoming was a fitting tribute to a player who has given so much to the game.