Justin Turner Returns to L.A. with the Mariners

LOS ANGELES — Justin Turner made a heartfelt return to Dodger Stadium on Monday night, marking his first visit since parting ways with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2022. The veteran third baseman enjoyed a remarkable nine-year tenure with the team, which included a World Series title.

“Putting on this uniform, worn by so many great players over the years, was one of the best things that ever happened to my career,” Turner expressed before the game. He described it as an honor to have been part of a franchise known for its historic achievements.

Now at 39 years old, Turner is taking on a new role as first baseman for the Seattle Mariners. His return to Dodger Stadium coincided with a series against the team he once played for.

Before his first at-bat in the second inning, Turner received a warm standing ovation from the crowd. Although he grounded out to third base—his old position—it marked an emotional moment for both him and the fans.

Turner’s family joined him at the stadium, with his wife Kourtney and their son Bo, born on July 4, present for a pregame ceremony. As the couple watched a video showcasing Turner’s career highlights, the Dodgers surprised him with a $10,000 donation to his foundation along with three framed photographs capturing his time with the team.

As his walk-up song, “Turn Down for What,” played in the background, Turner embraced notable figures from the Dodgers, including manager Dave Roberts and pitchers Clayton Kershaw and Joe Kelly.

“What’s up, L.A.?” he called out to the enthusiastic crowd, which erupted in applause. He expressed profound gratitude, saying, “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for nine of the most incredible years of my life. You made this one of the most special times, and I can’t say thank you enough.”

Throughout his career in Los Angeles, Turner and his wife emerged as prominent civic leaders, using their foundation to support homeless veterans, sick children, and youth baseball organizations. He made it a point to connect with the military hero honored at each game, often handing them an autographed baseball from the dugout.

Turner developed a special bond with Dodgers fans, who even donned fake red beards in tribute to him. “In my nine years here, I don’t think there’s been a bigger fan favorite,” said Roberts, indicating how much the fans connected with Turner.

After being non-tendered by the New York Mets following the 2013 season, Turner faced uncertainty until he signed with the Dodgers shortly before spring training in 2014. He initially struggled with a physical exam, turning his guaranteed deal into a non-roster invitee opportunity. Walking into a clubhouse filled with stars like Kershaw, Zack Greinke, and Matt Kemp, he felt a mix of excitement and disbelief.

Turner quickly solidified his place on the team, heading to Australia to kick off the 2014 season against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

He enjoyed significant success, including an appearance as a first-time All-Star in 2017. In the National League Division Series, he recorded six hits in 13 at-bats and hit a walk-off home run in Game 2 against the Chicago Cubs. He later shared the co-MVP title of the NL Championship Series with teammate Chris Taylor.

While the Dodgers fell short in the World Series against the Houston Astros, Turner’s performance in subsequent seasons solidified his legacy, notably playing a crucial role in the Dodgers’ 2020 championship run against the Tampa Bay Rays. However, controversy arose when he returned to the field to celebrate, despite testing positive for COVID-19.

After the 2022 season, the Dodgers chose not to exercise Turner’s $16 million option, making him a free agent. He played for the Boston Red Sox in 2023 and then was traded to the Seattle Mariners after initially signing with Toronto earlier in the year.

Looking back, Roberts expressed emotional sentiments stating, “In my emotional side, I wish he was a Dodger forever. But that’s just not the way sports works.” The bond between Roberts and Turner remains strong, as Roberts credits him and Adrian Gonzalez for their support when he first became manager in 2014, which fostered trust within the team.

As Turner aims to contribute to the Mariners’ playoff aspirations, he also hinted that he would consider a coaching opportunity with the Dodgers in the future. “If that opportunity presented itself, it would be something I really took into consideration,” he said.

With Turner’s extensive knowledge of the game, Roberts endorsed him as a potential future manager, noting, “He’s probably the smartest player I’ve ever had, understanding all the facets of the game.” The admiration between Turner, his former teammates, and the Dodgers franchise is evident and enduring.

Source: various