Corey Seager Returns to Dodger Stadium with a Bang
After two years away from Los Angeles, Corey Seager made a triumphant return to Dodger Stadium on Wednesday night. The former Dodgers star, now playing for the Texas Rangers, hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the fifth inning off of Walker Buehler.
The homer, which traveled 422 feet and registered at 111 mph, was Seager’s 60th at Dodger Stadium. This puts him at sixth most among active players. It was also his hardest-hit homer of the season and tied for the longest he’s hit this year.
Fans gave Seager a warm welcome as he stepped up to the plate, likely fueled by the video tribute played during Tuesday’s game. The 30-year-old shortstop is no stranger to stardom, having been named the 2016 National League Rookie of the Year and the 2020 NL and World Series MVP.
While his new team, the Rangers, ultimately went on to win the game, Seager’s presence on the field was not overlooked. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy expressed his relief in having Seager back in the lineup, saying “We saw what he means to us. We missed him.”
Seager’s impact was evident in his first game back, going 1-for-3 with a strikeout as the designated hitter. He is expected to serve in the same role for the series finale on Thursday.
However, the night wasn’t without a little controversy. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Dodgers rookie Andy Pages ran through a stop sign and was thrown out at home plate for the final out. Despite this, Seager remained focused and determined, showing his MVP mentality.
Despite the warm welcome from fans, Seager acknowledged the mixed emotions, saying “It kind of comes with the territory, I get it. I don’t blame them.”
Kosport Magazine’s Take:
It’s always bittersweet when a star player leaves a beloved team, but it’s clear that Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium was a special moment for both him and the fans. The three-run homer was a powerful reminder of just how valuable Seager was to the Dodgers, and now to the Rangers. Fans may have booed him at his second at-bat, but deep down they still have love for Seager. As for the future, it will be interesting to see how Seager continues to make his mark in his new team and city. Meanwhile, the Dodgers will have to find a way to fill the void left by their former MVP.
