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Corey Seager returned to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night for the first time in the regular season since departing as a free agent after the 2021 season. Fans were disappointed to see 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, marking Tuesday as the fourth consecutive game he’s missed.
Seager's First Return
Seager initially returned to Dodger Stadium during the 2022 All-Star Game, but this was his first time back in the regular season since leaving the team. 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 both NL MVP and World Series MVP honors in the process.
Upon his return, Seager admitted feeling a bit disoriented, especially within the unfamiliar confines of the visiting clubhouse. He reflected on his journey, from entering free agency and signing a $325 million, 10-year deal with the Rangers, to his remarkable performance with Texas, including All-Star selections in 2022 and 2023, and leading the Rangers to a World Series championship where he was named World Series MVP.
A Warm Welcome Back
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has a high opinion of Seager, recalling him as a "superstar, just a heady baseball player, great competitor and performed really well on the biggest of stages." Roberts remarked that "any team is better with Corey Seager." Despite his inability to play, Seager spent time reconnecting with old teammates, reflecting on both his growth and success in MLB.
Seager’s experience upon returning to Dodger Stadium was bittersweet. Although he couldn’t contribute on the field, he remained optimistic about his injury status, stating, "Definitely trending. It’s positive." He acknowledged the disorientation that often comes with significant changes but noted the valuable lessons he learned from the Dodgers organization. "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.
Seager also reflected on the speed of his success in Texas, stating, "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 Bittersweet Homecoming
Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium was a moment ripe with nostalgia. The organization shaped him, both personally and professionally, as he acknowledged by saying, "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." Despite the warm memories, there was also a sense of discomfort in not being able to lead his current team on the field, summarized well in his words, "It’s hard not to play every day. You want to be out there with your guys."
Even as Seager navigated the unfamiliar territory of the visiting clubhouse, he remained an emblem of confidence and perseverance. "I had some guys ask me where to go and I didn’t know. It’s been a lot of firsts, for sure," he admitted. Yet, this unfamiliarity did not overshadow the broader scope of his achievements and the respect he commands within the sport.
Conclusion
Corey Seager’s journey from a young star in Dodger blue to a leading talent with the Texas Rangers is a compelling story of growth, perseverance, and success in the world of baseball. His return to Dodger Stadium, though bittersweet, served as a reminder of his significant contributions and the lasting impact of his time with the Dodgers. For fans and teammates alike, Seager remains a figure of admiration and respect, embodying the spirit of the sport both on and off the field.