Corey Seager was a part of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization for seven seasons before signing a 10-year, $325 million contract with the Texas Rangers during free agency in 2021.
The Dodgers selected him with the 18th overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft and the rest was history.
With the Dodgers, Seager was a two-time National League Silver Slugger and All-Star, and also the NL Rookie of the Year in 2016.
But most notably, he was instrumental in helping the Dodgers capture their first World Series title since 1988. For his efforts during the team’s 2020 postseason run, he was named the NL Championship Series MVP, World Series MVP, and most importantly, a World Series Champion.
On Tuesday, he returned to Dodger Stadium for the first time as an opposing player in a regular season game, getting to recall the memories and catch up with people in the organization.
“Yeah, kind of,” Seager said when asked if it feels like a homecoming. “I spent a lot of time here. Obviously, not on that side, but it’s going to be fun. I’m excited about it to see some people, catch up with some old friends. It’s fun.”
The day before the game, Seager spent time with Chris Taylor in Manhattan Beach.
It was also the first time Seager has been to the visiting clubhouse outside of the All-Star Game in 2022, which had him a bit lost trying to find his way.
“I had some guys ask me where to go, and I didn’t know where to tell them,” Seager said. “It was different even for the All-Star Game. We came in a different way, so it’s been a lot of firsts.”
Even though Seager is in the opposing dugout now, the Dodgers will always hold a special place in his heart.
“A lot. I spent a lot of time here,” Seager said. “This organization kind of raised me, drafted here and kind of made me the man I am today, taught me the game of baseball, made a lot of friends, had a lot of good times.
“So all those memories kind of flash back as you’re pulling in.”
Corey Seager receives warm welcome from Dodger Stadium crowd
For the first game of his career as an opponent at Dodger Stadium, Seager was hoping for a warm welcome from the residents of the place where he once called home.
“Hopefully good,” Seager said. “Always want a warm welcome. I hope to get one.”
His actual debut on the field is going to have to wait another day after he was held out of the lineup for Tuesday’s game as he continues to deal with a left hamstring strain. Regardless, Seager got exactly what he wanted as the Dodger Stadium crowd celebrated their prodigal son’s return.
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