Additional Coverage:
LOS ANGELES — On Monday night, Justin Turner returned to Dodger Stadium for the first time since his departure from the Dodgers in 2022. Turner, who was a key player on their World Series-winning team, spent nine years as the team’s tenacious third baseman.
“It was a significant chapter of my career to wear the Dodgers uniform, an honor shared by many greats over the years, and to be part of such historic teams,” Turner remarked before the game.
Now 39, Turner plays first base for the Seattle Mariners, who just began a three-game series against the current leaders of the NL West.
A warm welcome awaited Turner at the stadium; he received a standing ovation prior to his second-inning at-bat. Although he grounded out to third base, the position he formerly dominated for L.A., he ended up hitting 1-for-3 in the Mariners’ 3-0 loss.
A pregame tribute included a video montage of Turner’s Dodger days, watched by his wife Kourtney and their son Bo from behind home plate. The Dodgers also honored him with a $10,000 donation to his foundation, alongside three framed action shots.
Accompanied by his old walk-up song “Turn Down for What,” Turner embraced Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and teammates like Clayton Kershaw and Joe Kelly. Addressing the fans, Turner expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the unforgettable nine years spent with the team.
Turner, alongside his wife who he married in 2017 with former Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershiser officiating, was well-known for his community involvement in Los Angeles. They supported various causes including homeless veterans, critically ill children, and local youth baseball programs.
During games, Turner made it a tradition to personally greet the game’s military hero, presenting an autographed baseball.
Dodgers fans often celebrated Turner, sporting fake red beards in his honor. “In my nine years here, I don’t think we’ve had a bigger fan favorite,” commented Roberts.
Starting his tenure at the Dodgers in 2014 with an uncertain future and an initially failed physical, Turner’s perseverance paid off, making a stellar impression from the get-go. He eventually earned All-Star status in 2017, co-earning NL Championship Series MVP that same year.
Although the Dodgers fell short in the 2017 World Series, they clinched victory in the 2020 World Series, with Turner contributing significantly despite a mid-game COVID-19 scare.
Following his time with the Dodgers, Turner briefly joined Boston and then Toronto this year before a trade sent him to Seattle.
Reflecting on Turner, Roberts expressed a mixture of nostalgia and realism about the fleeting nature of sports careers, yet emphasized the lasting personal and professional bonds formed.
Looking ahead, Turner is keen on a potential administrative or coaching role with the Dodgers after his playing days, a move supported by Roberts, who praised Turner’s comprehensive understanding of the game.
Roberts envisions a managerial future for Turner, underscoring his profound influence and strategic acumen.